Michigan signs women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico to contract extension

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan has signed women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico -- the winningest coach in program history -- to a contract extension that will keep her in Ann Arbor until at least 2028.

The extension is officially through the 2027-2028 season, but includes an automatic one-year extension each June, according to the university. Former men’s basketball coach John Beilein signed a similar contract during his time at U of M.

“Working at the greatest university in the world is not something I take for granted,” Barnes Arico said. “We have been able to build something really special, and the future is incredibly bright for our program. Michigan has become home for my family, and we are so grateful for the support we have received throughout the years by the university, the community, and this fanbase.”

Locking up Barnes Arico was a no-brainer for the Wolverines. Since taking over the program in 2012, she’s racked up a record 241 wins, including 10 seasons of at least 20 wins (the program had just four such seasons before she was hired).

Barnes Arico owns a .669 winning percentage (241-119) at Michigan. She’s made the NCAA Tournament six times, took the team to the Elite Eight in 2022, and made the Sweet 16 in 2021. The Wolverines have never lost their first postseason game under Barnes Arico.

“I am delighted to know that Kim will continue to lead our student-athletes into the future with this new contract extension that will keep her with us for many years to come,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “Already our winningest head coach, Kim continues to move this program forward, from deep NCAA Tournament runs to developing our young people towards the highest level of professional basketball. I look forward to her continued stewardship of this great program.”

The only time Michigan has failed to reach 20 wins under Barnes Arico came in 2020-2021, when it played only 22 games.

She won Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2022. Naz Hillmon (2022) and Leigha Brown (2023) have given the Wolverines WNBA draft picks each of the past two years.