Head Coach Doug Oliver Inks Contract Extension
October 02, 2014 | Women's Basketball
Irvine, Calif. -- UC Irvine women's basketball head coach Doug Oliver has signed a contract extension that keeps him at the helm of the Anteater program through the 2018-19 season.
"Doug is a veteran coach who has provided solid leadership and I am excited to see the continued rise of the program," Athletic Director Mike Izzi said. "He has established the program with quality student-athletes that don't just work hard on the court or classroom, but also the community."
Oliver, who is 26-36 in two seasons at UCI, guided the Anteaters to a 17-15 record last season, the most wins since the 1994-95 team went 19-11 overall.
UC Irvine advanced to the Big West Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2003, falling to eventual champion Cal State Northridge. The Anteaters were 9-7 in the Big West, finishing in a tie for fourth place. UCI went 7-7 against non-conference opponents, playing 11 of the 14 games on the road. Seven non-conference wins were the most since 2010 when the club posted an 8-6 record against non-Big West opponents.
Oliver's club ranked second in the Big West in scoring at a 72.5 clip a year ago which was a school record, bettering the old mark of 70.1 set in 1983-84. The Anteaters scored 90 or more points three times last season, a feat which had never been done. UCI led the conference in turnover margin (+3.41), committing fewer than 10 turnovers in five games.
"We have created an environment of stability and I am looking forward to continuing to coach in this great environment," said Oliver. "UC Irvine is a perfect blend of world-class academics and nationally competitive athletics surrounded by the beauty of Orange County."
"I have a great young staff and we are committed to pursuing Big West Championships and post-season appearances every year," Oliver ended.
Oliver has nearly 40 years of coaching experience, including 14 years as the top assistant with the Stanford men's program. Oliver served as head men's coach at Idaho State from 1998-2006.
