Horn agrees to contract extension for Norse

BY G. MICHAEL GRAHAM | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

Northern Kentucky University Director of Athletics Christina Roybal announced an agreement to a contract extension to head men’s basketball coach Darrin Horn on March 31.

The new agreement extends the 50-yearold’s contract by two years and keeps him as the leader of the Norse for four full seasons. Earning more than $400,000 prior to his extension, this makes Horn the highest paid coach in the Horizon League through June 30, 2027, with an additional year extension taking place after the 2023-24 school year.

“I’d like to thank Interim President Bonita Brown and VP of Athletics Christina Roybal for their belief and continued support of NKU Men’s basketball,” Horn said. “There is great tradition here and I am excited about the shared vision with administration to continue to grow our program together as we serve our student-athletes and the NKU and Northern Kentucky communities.”

Horn is 79-45 after four seasons guiding the Norse. NKU has won two Horizon League Tournament titles to automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The Norse are 52-24 in Horizon League play during his tenure and have made it to the league championship game three out of his four seasons.

The Norse finished 22-13 this past season including 14-6 in league play. They beat Cleveland State to win the tournament championship then put a scare into the top-seeded Houston Cougars in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Birmingham (Alabama) in a 63-52 defeat.

“Coach Horn has done a tremendous job leading our men’s basketball program and we want him to continue to do so for many years to come,” Roybal said. “He and his staff have lifted the program back to national prominence and the exposure the men’s basketball program brings is not only important for our department, but also for the University and the entire region.”

Before coming to Northern Kentucky, Horn had head coaching stops at the University of South Carolina and his alma mater of Western Kentucky University. Horn led the Hilltoppers to the Sweet 16 in 2008 and posted an overall record of 111-48 during his time there before going 60-63 in Southeast Conference play with the Gamecocks. He is 250-156 overall as a head coach.

Horn has also served as an assistant at both Marquette University and the University of Texas. He was a four-year standout at Western Kentucky helping the Hilltoppers to three NCAA Tournament appearances including a run to the Sweet 16 in 1993.