Men’s basketball coach signs contract extension through 2023-24 season

June 3, 2019 | Athletics, News, Alumni

By Paul Helgren

The University of Toledo and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tod Kowalczyk have reached an agreement that extends Kowalczyk’s contract through the 2023-24 season, UToledo Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike O’Brien announced today.

“Our men’s basketball program continues to thrive under Tod’s leadership,” O’Brien said. “His teams have consistently been among the elite programs in the Mid-American Conference, and we look forward to even greater success in the future. Just as importantly, Tod cares about his players as student-athletes, establishing an academic culture that is also at the top of the MAC.”

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tod Kowalczyk has signed a contract extension that will keep him on the court at UToledo through the 2023-24 season.

Kowalczyk recently completed his ninth season at Toledo and is third on the school’s all-time victory list with 167 wins. He has guided the Rockets to a 129-71 (.645) win-loss mark over the last six seasons, including a 25-8 record last season, the second most wins in school history. Kowalczyk also led Toledo to a school record 27-7 ledger in 2013-14.

During the 2018-19 season, Toledo captured its second consecutive MAC West Division title with a 13-5 league mark. The Rockets also earned a berth into the National Invitation Tournament.

“I am thankful for the opportunity given to me and my staff by President [Sharon L.] Gaber and Mike O’Brien,” Kowalczyk said. “We are extremely fortunate to have their support and leadership. I am proud of the program we have built here, and I am very excited about the prospects for next year’s team.”

In addition to winning on the court, the Rockets have achieved tremendous success in the classroom under Kowalczyk. Toledo earned the National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Award for 2018-19, the fourth time in the last six seasons the Rockets have been so honored. Also, Toledo’s most recent Academic Progress Rate score of 979 ranked second among the 12 MAC men’s basketball programs.

Prior to becoming UToledo’s head coach, Kowalczyk posted a 136-112 record in eight years as Wisconsin-Green Bay’s head coach. The Phoenix advanced to post-season play and notched back-to-back 22-win seasons in his last two seasons. In addition, every player who completed his eligibility while Kowalczyk was Green Bay’s head coach received a degree.

A native of DePere, Wis., Kowalczyk and his wife, Julie, have two children, Race (12) and Rose (10).