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VCU coach Shaka Smart to stay in Richmond

Posted at 8:39 PM, Mar 27, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-28 09:50:43-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - VCU men's basketball coach Shaka Smart will sign an extension to remain with the Rams through 2023. The school announced late Wednesday that Smart would be staying in Richmond.

[CLICK HERE: Shaka Smart releases a statement about new contract]

Smart turned down a coaching position with UCLA.

Changes in Smart's contract have been agreed to in principle, and the details are being finalized, officials confirmed

VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin said, in a release, that "the majority of contract changes involve program enhancements for the student-athletes and coaches."

“Coach Smart has demonstrated through this process that he is loyal to VCU and his greatest concern lies with our program moving forward every year,” said McLaughlin.

“Our goal was to present him with a revised agreement proactively rather than wait for another institution to step in with an offer."

Smart’s record is 111-37 in four years at VCU, the most wins over any four-year stretch in VCU history and the sixth-most in the country over the past four seasons. The 111 wins also is the second highest for any NCAA Division I head coach through their first four seasons.

In VCU’s first year in the A-10 Conference, Smart led the team to the championship game and then on to third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and 12th overall. The Rams won an NCAA Tournament game for the third straight year, marking the first time in school history that has occurred.