Morehead State extends Preston Spradlin's contract

Preston Spradlin got some good news today. This afternoon, Morehead State announced it is extending Spradlin’s contract through the 2024-25 season. The Pikeville native and former member of John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky led the Eagles to the OVC Championship and NCAA Tournament this year in his fourth full season as head coach. Morehead State finished the 2020-21 campaign 23-8, losing to West Virginia 84-67 in the first round. One of the Eagles’ eight losses was to Kentucky, 81-45, in Rupp Arena back on Nov. 25.

“Coach Spradlin and his staff have worked tirelessly to build a championship program. We feel like he is the right person to not just have short-term success, but to continue to have championship success for the next several seasons,” said Director of Athletics Jaime Gordon. “He and his staff have shown a commitment to building this program the right way with high-character individuals. Preston is a true Kentucky-proud individual, and we know with him leading our men’s basketball program we can sustain success on and off the court for many years to come.”

Spradlin served as the Eagles’ interim head coach most of the 2016-17 season, and before that, was an assistant for three seasons. He came to Morehead State after five seasons at Kentucky, two as a grad assistant (2009-11) and three as assistant director of operations (2011-14). He’s a graduate of Alice Lloyd (2009) and the University of Kentucky (2011).

“I want to thank (Morehead State University President) Dr. (Jay) Morgan and Jaime (Gordon) for their long-term commitment to our vision for the program,” said Spradlin. “Throughout the past seven years we have called Morehead our home and as a family we have embraced being a part of this wonderful community.  Serving the region of Appalachia has been a life-long commitment for my family, and it has been a great honor to serve as the head coach of this program.”

“We are grateful to all of the coaches and players who have worked to build the foundation and to the fans and campus community who have supported us along the way. Bringing a championship home to our region and representing the great state of Kentucky in this years NCAA Tournament are a bi-product of the tremendous belief that all of these individuals have demonstrated since day one,” he continued. “We are excited for the future of this program and look forward to leading Morehead State to more championship moments for years to come.”

Congrats, Coach Spradlin!

[Morehead State]