Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico signs extension through 2027-28, with annual rollover

There's been a contract extension signed at Michigan. No, not that one.

Kim Barnes Arico, the winningest women's basketball coach in Michigan history who began her 12th season on the job Monday with a 80-61 win over Purdue Fort Wayne at Crisler Center, has signed on for a new contract that will run at least through the 2027-28 season, the university announced Tuesday. The new deal also includes an automatic one-year extension to be added each June.

Financial terms of the contract weren't disclosed. Barnes Arico's previous deal ran through the 2025-26 season. This year, under the old deal, her base salary was to be $890,500. With bonuses and a deferred compensation payout, she earned more than $1 million last year.

Michigan State hired new coach Robyn Fralick in March, and gave her a base salary in excess of $1 million.

"I am delighted to know 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 in a statement. "Already our winningest head coach, Kim continues to move this program forward, from deep NCAA Tournament runs to developing our young people toward the highest level of professional basketball.

"I look forward to her continued stewardship of this great program."

Barnes Arico, 53, has 241 wins at Michigan, and accounts for 10 of the program's 14 seasons of 20 wins or more. She has led Michigan to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Sweet 16 in 2021. She's led the Wolverines to the postseason each season on the job, except for 2020, when the postseason was canceled because of COVID-19.

Barnes Arico came to Michigan at St. John's, Adelphi and NJIT. Last December, she earned her 500th career win.

She's a two-time Big Ten coach of the year who in 2023 had three UM alums playing in the WNBA.

"Working at the greatest university in the world is not something I take for granted," Barnes Arico said in a statement. "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."

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984