As sports success in Oxford has elevated to new heights, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter has earned a contract extension. Though the university announced the extension on Thursday, contract details were not immediately made available.
Carter, who holds the official title of vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, has had his tenure extended through 2029. The Arkansas native and former All-American Rebel basketball player took over for ex-AD Ross Bjork in November 2019. From there, Ole Miss has had record-shattering campaigns in multiple sports.
Highlighted by a national championship in baseball, national titles in men’s and women’s golf, multiple football seasons ending with 10 or more wins, Sweet 16 appearances in men’s and women’s basketball, and an inaugural College World Series appearance in softball, along with track and field titles, it is borderline inarguable that the golden age of Ole Miss athletics is the present.
“As a key member of the university leadership team for more than six years, Keith has elevated Ole Miss Athletics to new heights, strengthening our competitive excellence and delivering an unmatched student-athlete experience,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “Ole Miss continues to build extraordinary momentum across every aspect of the university, and we’re excited to see how our strong foundation and shared vision will drive continued success.”
This past year alone marked a historic time in Rebel athletics. Lane Kiffin’s football team won 10 games, basketball squads led by Chris Beard and Yolett McPhee-McCuin made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, Mike Bianco’s baseball club hosted an NCAA Tournament regional, Jamie Tracshel’s softball group made it to Oklahoma City for the first time in program history, Michael La Sasso earned an individual title in men’s golf, and Arvesta Troupe won an individual high jump championship.
“It’s an incredible honor to continue leading Ole Miss Athletics, and I’m grateful to Chancellor Boyce for his support and the trust he’s placed in me and our team,” Carter said. “His guidance and friendship have provided me great strength to confidently direct our department.”
The hiring of Kiffin and Beard spotlight Carter’s leadership as athletics director. Both coaches came to Ole Miss with baggage from previous stints but have had a positive impact on the university, as well as the local community.
The football team, which has reached a bowl game and produced a number of NFL prospects in each of Kiffin’s five seasons, had a $325 million impact on the city of Oxford in 2024. Likewise, the men’s basketball team has had the SJB Pavilion completely full on multiple occasions, including a largest-ever crowd of 10,630 on Jan. 30, 2024, when the Rebels defeated Mississippi State 86-82.
Carter has also been influential in Ole Miss upgrading its facilities. In 2023, the university opened the $45.7 million renovated Manning Center. This past spring, the Rebels debuted their brand new $32 million softball stadium. Ole Miss recently announced future plans to give the soccer and golf facilities a facelift, as well.
To keep the momentum going full speed, Carter encourages fans to continue supporting the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation and the Grove Collective.
“I am also indebted to the Athletics Foundation and its membership for their belief in me and our program as a whole. We could not compete at this championship level without their passionate support,” Carter said. “While we take pride in what we’ve achieved thus far, we firmly believe the best is yet to come. We’re excited to build on our success and further strengthen our position as one of the top brands in college athletics.”
Carter’s contract extension follows one Mississippi State gave to its athletic director, Zac Selmon, in May.
