Providence signs Cooley to extension

Apr 10, 2013 - 8:01 PM Providence, RI (Sports Network) - Providence College has signed a long-term contract extension with head coach Ed Cooley on Wednesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Cooley led Providence to a 19-15 (9-9 Big East) record this season, and entered the Big East Conference Tournament as the eighth seed, but lost to Cincinnati in the second round.

"Coach Cooley has demonstrated in numerous ways that he is the right coach for Providence College," said President Brian J. Shanley. "He is a true leader both on and off the court, and we could not be more pleased to affirm that leadership by extending his contract. I join the College community, our alumni and fans in congratulating him as we all look forward to an exciting year ahead, and to building on the momentum generated by this year's NIT team."

Cooley was hired by Providence on March 22, 2011. In two seasons with the program, he is 34-32.

"Providence is home for me and my family and that is a big part of what makes this a special job for me," said Cooley. "I appreciate the support from Fr. Shanley, (athletics director) Bob Driscoll, the students and all the Friar fans that have helped us move our program forward. We have made progress over the last two years, but we are not satisfied. We came with the goal of winning championships and that remains in our sights. We will continue to work to make Providence College basketball an elite program in the nation."

Prior to joining Providence, Cooley was head coach at Fairfield, where he compiled a 92-69 overall record and went 58-32 in the MAAC over five seasons. He also served for 10 seasons as an assistant to former URI (1996-97) and Boston College (1997-2006) head coach Al Skinner.