FILE - In This Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, St. Mary's coach Randy Bennett reacts to a referee's call during the second half an NCAA college basketball game against Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Freshly ousted with an early exit in the West Coast Conference tournament, Saint Mary's made the quiet flight home and returned to campus. Coach Randy Bennett sent home the seniors and called a team meeting for the underclassmen that began about 10 p.m. He did the talking, for about an hour: The Gaels hadn't been close to good enough and this would be a painful lesson. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)John Minchillo/Associated Press

Randy Bennett, Saint Mary's Reportedly Agree to 10-Year Contract Extension

Mike ChiariNov 10, 2017

Saint Mary's and head men's basketball coach Randy Bennett reportedly agreed to a 10-year contract extension Friday, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

Borzello added that the extension will keep Bennett under contract with the Gaels through the 2026-27 season.

The 55-year-old Bennett has been the head coach at Saint Mary's since 2001-02, posting a 362-156 record during his 16-year tenure.

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Bennett has led Saint Mary's to six NCAA tournament berths and five trips to the NIT over the past 13 campaigns.

The Gaels have been the West Coast Conference regular-season champions on three occasions during his tenure, and the WCC tournament champions twice.

After three straight NIT appearances, Saint Mary's returned to the NCAA tourney last season, posting a 29-5 record overall, which was its best mark under Bennett.

The Gaels earned a No. 7 seed in the tournament and beat No. 10 VCU in the first round before getting knocked off by No. 2 Arizona.

Saint Mary's hasn't won less than 20 games since 2006-07, and Bennett has been rewarded with three WCC Coach of the Year nods.

The Gaels will enter the 2017-18 season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll behind only No. 18 Gonzaga among WCC teams.