News Summary
Ole Miss has announced a contract extension for Athletic Director Keith Carter through 2029. This decision aligns with significant achievements in the university’s athletic programs, including two NCAA team championships and a top finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup. Carter’s leadership has brought success across various sports, and his hiring decisions for coaches have been impactful. Major facility renovations have also been made to enhance the athletic experience, while student-athletes have excelled academically. Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce supports Carter’s vision as the university looks to the future.
Oxford, MS – Ole Miss has officially announced the contract extension of Athletic Director Keith Carter, ensuring his leadership role at the university through the year 2029. This decision, made public on July 10, 2025, comes on the heels of significant achievements across the university’s athletic programs under Carter’s stewardship.
Keith Carter, who has served as the Athletic Director since 2019, has overseen a period marked by notable successes for Ole Miss athletics. During his administration, the university secured two NCAA team championships, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in college sports. The Rebels have also logged impressive finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, which recognizes superior athletic programs nationwide. Specifically, Ole Miss finished 27th for the 2024-25 season, making it the third time in the program’s history to achieve a top-27 placement.
Under Carter’s leadership, various teams have achieved remarkable rankings, with four Ole Miss athletic teams reaching number 1 in their respective polls. The Ole Miss football team has notably excelled, achieving its third 10-win season in just four years. This season included a triumphant home victory over Georgia and resulted in eight players being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have also made headlines by reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. Additionally, the Ole Miss softball team celebrated a historic milestone by making its first appearance in the Women’s College World Series, while the baseball team secured a host bid for the NCAA tournament, marking a year of unprecedented success across the board.
Carter’s hiring choices for head coaches have played a crucial role in the athletic program’s achievements. Football coach Lane Kiffin was appointed in 2020, followed by basketball coach Chris Beard in 2023, both of whom have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of their respective programs.
The investment in athletic facilities has also been a focal point during Carter’s tenure. His administration oversaw a $45 million renovation of the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center, which was completed in July 2023. In addition, the construction of a new Ole Miss Softball Stadium, which cost $32 million, was finalized and opened in February 2025. Looking ahead, plans for further renovations include upgrades to the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium and the Ole Miss Golf Complex.
Notably, during this flourishing era of athletics, Ole Miss celebrated significant academic achievements among its student-athletes. The athletic department recorded a remarkable 94% graduation success rate, with six teams achieving a perfect 100% graduation success rate. This commitment to balancing academic prowess with athletic performance highlights the university’s holistic approach to student development.
Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce publicly endorsed Carter’s vision and leadership, acknowledging the strides made in elevating Ole Miss Athletics to new heights. As Carter continues through the extended term of his contract, the university community looks forward to further accomplishments that solidify Ole Miss’s reputation in collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Athletic Director Contract
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- WCBI: Carter Signs Contract Extension
- Google Search: Ole Miss athletics
- The Rebel Walk: Athletics Momentum
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Sports Business Journal: Carter Extension
- Google News: Keith Carter Ole Miss
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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