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Akron Signs Coach Keith Dambrot To 10-Year Deal

Akron has agreed in principle to a deal that would keep Keith Dambrot as the head coach of the Zips for the next decade.

March 10, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Akron Zips head coach Keith Dambrot watches a foul shot by the Ohio Bobcats during the second half of the finals of the 2012 MAC Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE
March 10, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Akron Zips head coach Keith Dambrot watches a foul shot by the Ohio Bobcats during the second half of the finals of the 2012 MAC Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE
March 10, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Akron Zips head coach Keith Dambrot watches a foul shot by the Ohio Bobcats during the second half of the finals of the 2012 MAC Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

Akron and head basketball coach Keith Dambrot have agreed in principle to a new contract which will keep Dambrot with the Zips for the next decade.

The deal, which would place Dambrot under contract through the 2021-22 season, only needs to be finalized by the Akron board of trustees.

In eight seasons at Akron, Dambrot has led the Zips to an overall record of 184-87 and a sparkling 93-39 record in Mid-American Conference play. U of A has won at least 20 games in each of the past seven seasons, and Dambrot currently ranks second on the school’s all-time wins list.

“Keith is the best coach in the MAC and one of the top coaches in basketball,” Akron athletic director Tom Wistrcill said in a statement. “He has built the Zips into one of the top mid-major programs in the country and continues to lead his alma mater to new heights. This contract is not only a reward for his team’s performance over the past eight years, but a reflection of how the program continues to flourish. Our University and community are thrilled that he will continue to lead Zips basketball well into the future.”

Two of Akron’s three all-time NCAA Tournament appearances have come under Dambrot. The Zips made the big dance in 2011 and 2009, falling in their tournament opener both times.

Dambrot is a graduate of Akron, and he was one of LeBron James’ high school coaches.

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