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Iona College announced a contract extension for Cluess on Thursday afternoon, which will keep him at the helm of the men’s basketball team through the 2024-25 season. The extension adds three additional years to Cluess’ prior deal.
Financial information on the extension was not immediately available following the announcement.
Cluess has made a national name for himself, guiding the Gaels to three straight conference tournament championships and five NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure at Iona. He’s accrued a 182-91 record in eight seasons and has won more than 70 percent of the games he’s coached at the college level over 12 years. He was also named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2014.
“The support the Iona College community, alumni and all of Gael Nation shows our program year in and year out makes Iona a special place for the coaching staff, myself and my family,” Cluess said following the announcement. "Additionally, the continued support shown by President (Joseph) Nyre, Rick Cole and our entire administration continues to push our program to reach new heights. I look forward to adding to the legacy and further growth of Iona basketball.”
Iona has won more than 20 games in each of the last eight seasons under Cluess, joining Gonzaga and South Dakota State as the only mid-major programs to represent in the past three NCAA Tournaments. With one more MAAC title, he will top La Salle’s Speedy Morris for the most in league history.
“We are very proud of the unprecedented success - both academically and athletically - Coach Cluess has had with our men's basketball program. We look forward to his leadership for at least the next seven seasons and for him to be at Iona for the remainder of his career." Nyre said in a statement. "Three straight MAAC Championships and five NCAA tournament appearances in the last seven years is a truly remarkable accomplishment and we continue to be thrilled about the future of our basketball Gaels."
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