Original article (Gibbs Given Four-Year Contract Extension) on the University of North Florida’s athletic website unfospreys.com.
North Florida Athletic Director Lee Moon announced a four-year contract extension for UNF head women’s basketball coach Darrick Gibbs that keeps him at the helm of the program through the 2023-24 season.
“I am humbled and excited to receive this extension,” Gibbs said. “I want to thank President David Szymanski and Lee Moon for their commitment and belief in what we are building. This honor is a direct reflection of the commitment, hard work and dedication of our amazing student-athletes and coaching staff. I look forward to continue building on the success we’ve had so far.”
Gibbs is coming off a record setting season in 2018-19 which saw the Ospreys finish with a 15-14 overall record, the first winning record in the program’s Division I era. UNF also advanced to the ASUN Championship Tournament semifinals for the second consecutive season.
“It is an exciting opportunity to be able to recognize and reward the success Coach Gibbs has produced during his four seasons,” said Moon. “The program has made positive strides in all aspects both on and off the court. He has led the team to new levels of achievements and this extension is a way to demonstrate our support and belief in the things he is doing. It will be fun to watch the program continue to grow and consistently compete at a championship level.”
For the second straight season, the Ospreys had an all-conference selection (Keonna Farmer – 2018; Jazz Bond – 2019) and had their first ASUN All-Academic honoree in senior Arianna Emanuel-Wright. In two of his four seasons, UNF produced an ASUN all-freshman selection (Adrienne Jackson – 2017; Tiffany Tolbert – 2018). Under Gibbs’ guidance, the Ospreys have garnered 19 weekly ASUN honors.
North Florida has upped its points per game and win totals in each of Gibbs’ years on the sideline. The Ospreys improved from just three wins in ASUN play to nine this season – the best total since 2011-12. The 2018-19 season saw UNF post its first positive scoring margin since joining the Division I ranks.