News Summary
The University of Mississippi has extended athletic director Keith Carter’s contract through 2029, highlighting the institution’s commitment to his leadership amidst significant athletic achievements. Carter’s new base salary includes performance bonuses and incentives linked to the university’s athletic success. Since becoming athletic director, he has overseen major advancements in Ole Miss athletics, including high finishes in national rankings and significant facility upgrades. His strategic hiring of prominent coaches has also contributed to the success of various sports programs, reflecting the university’s dedication to enhancing its athletic offerings.
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi has announced an extension of athletic director Keith Carter’s contract, securing his role through 2029. This decision, revealed on July 10, 2025, underscores the university’s support for his leadership during a time of significant success for Ole Miss athletics.
Carter’s new annual base salary is set at $1,274,501, complemented by an additional $225,499 in supplemental compensation sourced from the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation. Moreover, Carter stands to gain performance bonuses tied to the university’s achievements in the Learfield Directors’ Cup. Specifically, he could earn $25,000 for a top-30 finish and $50,000 for reaching the top 25. An added financial incentive includes a one-time retention bonus of $400,000, contingent upon his continued employment until 2027.
While the contract includes provisions allowing either party to terminate the agreement without cause, such a decision would have financial repercussions. If Ole Miss opts for termination, they will owe Carter all remaining base salary along with accrued supplemental compensation. Conversely, if Carter chooses to resign, all payments from Ole Miss will cease without any associated penalties.
Since assuming the role of athletic director in 2019, Carter has played a pivotal role in advancing Ole Miss’s athletic programs. Under his leadership, the university celebrated notable successes, including achieving a 27th place finish in the Learfield Cup—a significant milestone that marks three top-27 finishes in the cup’s history, all occurring during Carter’s tenure. Furthermore, during the 2021-22 academic year, Ole Miss achieved its highest-ever position in the Learfield Cup, finishing 20th.
Carter’s administration has overseen substantial investments in athletic facilities, including the $45 million renovation of the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center completed in July 2023, as well as the debut of the new $32 million Ole Miss Softball Stadium in February 2025.
On the competitive field, Ole Miss football achieved its third 10-win season in the last four years, marked by key victories over major rivals. Both men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the Sweet 16 in March Madness, while the Ole Miss softball program made its inaugural appearance at the Women’s College World Series. Additionally, Ole Miss baseball earned a host bid in the NCAA tournament, further showcasing the growing competitiveness of the athletics department.
Integral to these successes has been Carter’s strategic hiring of prominent coaches, notably bringing in football coach Lane Kiffin in 2020 and basketball coach Chris Beard in 2023. His decisions in these critical roles have contributed to the overall progress and recognition of Ole Miss sports.
Carter, who is also a former Ole Miss basketball player and an All-America honoree, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support from Chancellor Boyce, the Athletic Foundation, and the loyal members of the Ole Miss program. This extension not only reflects confidence in Carter’s leadership but also marks a significant step in the university’s commitment to enhancing its athletic programs. With a comprehensive plan in place and resources being allocated to various programs, Ole Miss fans are eager to witness the ongoing transformation under Carter’s guidance.
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University of Mississippi Extends Keith Carter’s Contract
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Athletic Director Contract
- Ole Miss Sports: Carter Extension News
- WCBI: Keith Carter Contract Extension
- DJournal: Ole Miss Extends Carter Through 2029
- On3: Carter Contract Extension Details
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- Google Search: Ole Miss athletics
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss athletic director
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Google News: Ole Miss Athletics
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