BYU basketball: Dave Rose inks new five-year deal
PROVO — Fresh off the BYU basketball program's most successful season in decades, coach Dave Rose is looking forward to continuing "to build a legacy" with the Cougars, who reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in 30 years.
"You get a taste of some things," Rose said, "and you want more."
That's a big reason why Rose has signed a new five-year contract through the 2015-16 season, which, sources say, included a hefty pay raise.
During a 40-minute news conference Wednesday afternoon, athletic director Tom Holmoe declined to offer financial details about the five-year deal. He said the contract "matches what Dave's looking for."
Holmoe did acknowledge that other programs — though he wouldn't name specific schools — tried to hire Rose away from BYU in recent weeks.
"Dave is one of the best basketball coaches in the country," Holmoe said. "He's established a basketball program at BYU that stands for excellence. We are thrilled to have such a loyal man and superior teacher guiding the BYU basketball program for years to come."
Rose said he was "flattered" to be on the radar of other schools, but, ultimately, he and his family decided it would be best to remain at BYU.
"This is my future," said Rose, who has compiled a 159-45 record in six seasons at BYU. "I'm grateful to Tom Holmoe and the university administration for the many opportunities they have provided me and my family. BYU is a wonderful place to coach college basketball, and I look forward to continued success with this program. I have a great coaching staff and student-athletes who are committed to being successful."
Holmoe said he started to explore a contract extension for Rose during the middle of the season, but he didn't address the issue with Rose until campaign concluded.
Rose discussed the uncertainty within the program right now. The Cougars must replace its star guards, Jimmer Fredette — the national player of the year — and Jackson Emery. Rose said he's eager for the challenge of helping players on the roster develop.
Lead assistant Dave Rice is a finalist, and perhaps the top candidate, to succeed Lon Kruger as the head coach at UNLV. "I'm really excited for Dave," Rose said. "He's a candidate at his alma mater. I think he's very deserving (of being a head coach) and he will be a terrific head coach. I support him 100 percent."
There's been no change in the status of suspended forward Brandon Davies, Rose said.