:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60155729/usa_today_10900967.0.jpg)
Yesterday afternoon the University of North Carolina announced that the school and head baseball coach Mike Fox have agreed in principle to a contract extension. Fox is coming off his 7th College World Series appearance in the past 13 seasons, and the program is primed to continue their recent success. Terms have not yet been disclosed.
In the statement, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham said, “Mike has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic and personal development as well as being successful on the field and we are thrilled to know he will be here for the long term.”
After a few down years and a stunning loss in the Regionals last season, the baseball team righted the proverbial ship this spring. Rebounding from a 7-7 start, the Heels finished atop the ACC standings with a 22-8 conference record (44-20 overall) and earned the #1 seed in the conference tournament. That was enough to receive a #6 national seed and host both the Regional and Super Regional rounds, where they went undefeated to earn a spot in Omaha.
Fox also earned ACC Coach of the Year for the first time in his career, and saw a school record ten Tar Heels hear their name in the MLB Draft. Overall, it was a successful season for UNC and now Fox is guaranteed to be around for his 21st season in a Tar Heel uniform.