UCSB extends Williams’ contract through 2016

UCSB and head basketball coach Bob Williams have agreed on a contract extension through the 2015-16 season, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mark W. Massari announced Wednesday.

“Success nationally in any of our sports, especially men’s basketball, is a huge opportunity to advertise what an incredible place UCSB and Santa Barbara are,” Massari said. “I’m excited about the program Bob has built and his plan in moving upward. As a department and community we are committed to it.”

Williams, a three-time Big West Coach of the Year who guided the Gauchos to the 2010 Big West regular season and tournament championships, has the highest winning percentage of any coach in UCSB history. He guided the program to NCAA Tournaments in 2002 and 2010 and to National Invitation Tournaments in 2003 and 2008.

“I’m excited about being a Gaucho through 2016,” Williams said. “This allows me to fulfill a commitment that I made to the four recruits we just signed and to continue the progress we have been making as a program.”

Williams is one of just three coaches in school history to record more than 200 coaching victories and he is within five of becoming the school’s second all-time winningest coach. He also needs just 10 wins to hit the 400-victory mark for his career.