Mercer Inks Hoffman Through 2017-18

MACON, Ga. (MERCER RELEASE) – Mercer University reaffirmed its commitment to head men’s basketball coach Bob Hoffman on Friday, announcing that the sixth-year coach has inked a one-year contract extension. The one year add-on solidifies Hoffman as the program’s leader through the 2017-18 season.

Hoffman previously agreed to a five-year deal following his team’s landmark 2011-12 season that saw the team go 27-11 overall and win the CollegeInsider.com Tournament Championship. That contract replaced a previously signed five-year commitment agreed to in June of 2010.

“Over the past six seasons, Coach Hoffman has taken our men’s basketball program to unprecedented heights,” Mercer Director of Athletics Jim Cole said. “While our recent achievements have been remarkable, we’re equally excited about what the future holds for the program under his leadership.”

Hoffman has presided over the most successful era in more than 100 years of Mercer basketball history. He holds a 105-77 record at the school and has compiled back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history – most recently highlighted by the team’s 24-12 Atlantic Sun Regular Season Championship campaign last year.

Hoffman’s success has seen the program notch several signature wins, as the team has downed seven high major opponents in his six years with the schools. Hoffman has led the Bears to road wins at Alabama (twice), Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Tennessee and a home win against Seton Hall this season.

The Bears have been particularly successful at home under Hoffman, where the coach has posted a 35-4 record in the last three seasons. In the postseason, the team is 12-4 including Atlantic Sun Tournament play.

Off the court, the team has been equally successful. Mercer collected the coveted National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award last season, while senior Jakob Gollon was named one of five Division I members of the NABC Good Works Team. Hoffman’s squad has also maintained a steady presence in the community, participating in projects like Macon Impact, Rebuilding Macon, and the GEAR-Up program.

Mercer is currently 6-4 on the year after topping Denver 64-63 in overtime on December 7. After breaking for finals week, the team is back in action hosting Alcorn State on December 16. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.