ORU head coach Paul Mills gets new contract after magical tournament run

TULSA, Okla. — Head coach Paul Mills will stick around for more chances at an NCAA Tournament run at Oral Roberts University.

ORU announced Thursday that Mills agreed to a new contract to remain the head coach of the men’s basketball team on the heels of the team’s Cinderella-like run to the Sweet Sixteen.

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“I am very excited that Coach Mills has made a long-term commitment to ORU,” said University President Dr. William Wilson.

“His work ethic, integrity, passion, Christian witness and exceptional coaching ability will serve our University well in the years ahead. The ORU men’s basketball program is building something very special and the future is bright.”

The Golden Eagles caught fire in this past March, winning three games in three days to win the Summit League Championship and get selected for the NCAA Tournament where they upset both No. 2 seed Ohio State and No. 7 Florida for the program’s first tournament wins since 1974.

“We are very excited about the direction the men’s basketball program with Paul as our coach for the future,” said Athletic Director Mike Carter.

. “I believe that he is the perfect coach for ORU basketball and we look forward to more years of continued success.”

In Mills’ fourth season at the helm, ORU finished the 2020-21 campaign with an 18-11 record, its most wins since 2014-15, behind the play of Mid-Major All-Americans Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor.

“I’m appreciative to Dr. Wilson, Mike Carter, the board of trustees and the entire leadership team at ORU for this opportunity,” said Mills.

“I look forward to continuing the work at ORU for years to come to develop champions on and off the court. Success can be attributed to our committed players, staff, graduate assistants and student coaches who devote so much time to investing in our players. It’s a pleasure to work with these players each day. Let’s get to work.”

Cox Media Group