Akron Zips men's basketball coach John Groce agrees to another contract extension
John Groce has parlayed his success as the University of Akron men's basketball coach into another contract extension.
Groce agreed to a one-year extension to be added to a previously approved 10-year extension to be the Zips coach through the 2034-35 season, the school announced in a release Tuesday morning. The extension must be approved by the board of trustees.
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Akron's announcement comes a week after the Beacon Journal submitted a public records request April 1 for any updates to Groce's contractual status.
"Coach Groce has demonstrated remarkable leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his tenure at The University of Akron," UA President R.J. Nemer said in the release. "His success on the court is matched by his dedication to developing student-athletes who excel academically and represent our university with integrity and pride. We are thrilled to continue this journey with Coach Groce as he leads our basketball program to new heights."
Groce has compiled a record of 168-88, including 97-49 in the Mid-American Conference, since he was hired as Akron's coach on April 6, 2017. Groce is ranked fourth in program history for most wins, trailing only Akron native Keith Dambrot (305-139 from 2005-17), Russell Beichly (288-144 from 1941-59) and Tony Laterza (178-59 from 1960-68).
"I want to thank the Board of Trustees, President R.J. Nemer and Interim Athletic Director Dr. Matt Juravich for the commitment they have shown our program," Groce said in the release. "The extension reflects the contributions of many. We are very grateful and blessed by the extraordinary efforts of our student-athletes, staff, support staff, athletic department, alumni/donors/fans and the Fear the Roo Collective. We are beyond excited to continue building on the tradition of excellence and to compete for championships. Go Zips!"
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Akron set the single-season program record for wins in 2024-25, when the Zips finished 28-7. They also went 17-1 in the MAC, tying Kent State's 2001-02 team for the best single-season record in conference play during the modern era.
The Zips have won two MAC regular-season championships (2020 and 2025) and three MAC Tournament titles (2022, 2024 and 2025) to advance to the NCAA Tournament three times under Groce. Akron lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament each time — 57-53 to fourth-seeded UCLA as a No. 13 seed in 2022, 77-60 to third-seeded Creighton as a 14 seed in 2024, and 93-65 to fourth-seeded Arizona as a 13 seed this year.
"Coach Groce exemplifies Akron in every way," Juravich said in the release. "He has built an all encompassing championship culture and we look forward to continued growth and success in the program."
Akron beat Kent State 75-55 in the 2022 MAC Tournament final and 62-61 in the 2024 MAC Tournament final, and topped Miami 76-74 in the 2025 MAC Tournament final.
Akron Zips coach John Groce lifts the Mid-American Conference championship trophy after beating Miami, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Cleveland.
John Groce's coaching record
Groce, 53, has been a college head coach for 17 seasons, compiling up a career record of 348-219, including 4-6 in the NCAA Tournament. He was named the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year in 2025.
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Before Akron, Groce coached Ohio (85-56 from 2008-12) and Illinois (95-75 from 2012-17). Groce led Ohio into March Madness twice and Illinois once. In 2012, Ohio advanced to the Sweet 16 as a No. 13 seed, defeating Michigan 65-60 and South Florida 62-56 before losing 73-65 to North Carolina.
In 2022, Akron extended Groce's contract through the 2029-30 season. His base salary was $650,000.
Akron Zips coach John Groce celebrates during the first half of the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland.
Akron basketball has received numerous MAC awards under coach John Groce
Groce was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2025. Three of his Akron standouts have been named MAC Player of the Year: Loren Cristian Jackson in 2020, Enrique Freeman in 2024 and Nate Johnson in 2025. Freeman was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
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Freeman was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and Johnson earned the honor in 2025. Also this past season, Akron's Shammah Scott was the MAC Sixth Man of the Year and Sharron Young made the All-MAC freshmen team.
Akron Zips coach John Groce reacts as his team struggles during the second half of the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
At Akron, Groce has coached one three-time All-MAC selection (Freeman), four two-time All-MAC honorees (Jackson, Daniel Utomi, Xavier Castaneda and Ali Ali) and seven one-time All-MAC players (Tyler Cheese, Xeyrius Williams, Bryan Trimble Jr., Greg Tribble Jr., Nate Johnson, Tavari Johnson and Isaiah Gray).
Groce has coached six players to All-MAC first-team honors: Jackson and Freeman twice apiece, and Castaneda, Ali, Nate Johnson and Tavari Johnson once apiece.
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Additionally under Groce, Akron has had four players earn All-MAC defensive team honors: Freeman four years in a row, Tribble twice and Channel Banks and Nate Johnson once each.
Groce's oldest son, Conner, joined the Zips as a walk-on last season after graduating from Revere High School in 2024.
Michael Beaven can be reached at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips basketball coach John Groce agrees to contract extension
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