Leon Rice, the head coach at Boise State University, has established himself as a prominent figure in college basketball. Appointed in 2010, Rice quickly turned the Broncos into a competitive force in the Mountain West Conference.
As the winningest coach in Boise State men’s basketball history, he has led the team to numerous postseason appearances and multiple 20-win seasons.
Rice’s impressive career includes guiding Boise State to the finals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament in his first season. Before his time at Boise State, he gained valuable experience as an assistant coach at Gonzaga under Mark Few.
His tenure at Gonzaga helped shape his coaching philosophy and prepared him for his successful career with the Broncos.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Rice has made a significant impact on the community and the development of his players. He has overseen the growth of standout players like Abu Kigab and Emmanuel Akot, improving their scoring averages and overall performance.
Rice’s commitment to excellence and his strategic acumen make him a standout figure in college basketball.
For an overview of his contract details and the recent extension, visit the Boise State Athletics page.
Who Is Leon Rice?
Leon Rice is known for his impressive coaching career as the head men’s basketball coach at Boise State University. Beyond his current role, Rice has a rich background in basketball, growing up in a sports-loving environment and playing college basketball before transitioning into coaching.
This section delves into his early life, education, and personal life to provide a comprehensive overview of who Leon Rice is.
Where Did Leon Rice Grow Up?
Leon Rice was born on November 25, 1963. He grew up in Washington state, where he developed his love for basketball.
Growing up, Rice was heavily involved in sports, which played a significant role in shaping his future career in athletics. His passion for basketball was evident from a young age, leading him to pursue it both academically and professionally.
Where Did Leon Rice Play College Basketball?
Leon Rice played college basketball at Central Washington University. At Central Washington, he not only showcased his talent on the court but also focused on his academics, graduating with a degree in physical education.
His time at Central Washington was pivotal in his development, providing him with the foundation required to transition into a coaching career. It was this combination of athletic and academic pursuits that set the stage for his future achievements.
Where Does Leon Rice Live?
Leon Rice currently resides in Boise, Idaho. His move to Boise came when he took the head coaching position at Boise State University in 2010.
Since then, he has made Boise his home, deeply involving himself in the community and the local basketball scene. Living in Boise has allowed Rice to fully immerse himself in his role and build lasting relationships with players, fans, and colleagues.
Who Is Leon Rice Married To?
Leon Rice is married to Robin Rice. The couple has been a strong support system for each other throughout Rice’s coaching career.
Together, they have raised a family in Boise, and their commitment to each other is evident in the strong bonds they have built over the years. Robin has continually supported Leon, standing by him through the highs and lows of his professional journey.
Explore more about Leon Rice’s career and achievements.
Leon Rice Professional Career
Leon Rice has made significant contributions to college basketball, particularly as the head coach of the Boise State Broncos. His journey spans various coaching positions, culminating in setting records and achieving milestones at Boise State.
What Teams Has Leon Rice Previously Coached For?
Before joining Boise State, Leon Rice held various assistant coaching positions. He started his career at Yakima Valley Community College, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Rice later joined the coaching staff at the University of Oregon. His tenure at Oregon was notable for its contribution to the improvement of the team’s performance, helping the Ducks reach the NCAA Tournament multiple times.
What Team Is Leon Rice Currently Coaching For?
Leon Rice is currently the head coach of the Boise State men’s basketball team. He took over as head coach on March 26, 2010, replacing Greg Graham.
Under his leadership, the Broncos have experienced significant success, including multiple postseason appearances and several 20-win seasons. Rice’s coaching has placed Boise State as a strong contender in the Mountain West Conference.
Does Leon Rice Want To Coach In The NBA?
There has been no public indication or statement from Leon Rice expressing a desire to coach in the NBA. His focus has remained on college basketball, where he has built a robust career at Boise State.
Rice appears committed to continuing his impactful work at the college level, striving to elevate Boise State’s basketball program.
What Are Leon Rice Future Prospects?
Leon Rice’s contract extension with Boise State, which runs through 2027, underscores his commitment to the program.
Given his success and the strong foundation he has built, he is expected to continue leading the Broncos to more victories.
His name is frequently linked with potential openings at other NCAA programs, but as of now, his future is firmly tied with Boise State.
Leon Rice Major Achievements And Awards
Rice has earned a reputation as the winningest coach in Boise State history. He has led the team to eight postseason appearances and ten 20-win seasons in his 13 years as head coach. His accomplishments include:
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: Multiple participations, often due to at-large bids.
- Conference Championships: Celebrated wins in the Mountain West.
- Mountain West Coach of the Year: Prestigiously recognized for his outstanding coaching.
- All-Time Wins Leader: Surpassed the previous record held by Bobby Dye.
Similar Coaches To Leon Rice
Several coaches share similarities with Leon Rice in terms of career trajectory and achievements. Steve Alford, currently coaching at Nevada, also has a history of successful seasons in the Mountain West Conference.
Tim Miles, formerly of Nebraska and now at San Jose State, has also made notable contributions in college basketball. Both have demonstrated resilience and skill, leading their teams to numerous victories and postseason appearances, much like Rice.
How Does Leon Rice Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Leon Rice has successfully managed both the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to enhance the performance and reputation of Boise State basketball. His approach in these areas has helped the team attract talented players and ensure they are well-compensated for their contributions.
Leon Rice And Transfer Portal
Leon Rice has made good use of the transfer portal to bolster his roster.
By actively recruiting players who can immediately contribute, he strengthens the team’s depth and competitiveness.
For example, Rice has secured key players from other programs, who bring experience and skill to the Broncos.
Rice’s strategy with the transfer portal includes evaluating how well these players fit Boise State’s style of play and team culture.
He focuses on players who can adapt quickly and have a strong work ethic. This approach helps the team maintain consistency and high performance throughout the season.
A notable transfer under Rice’s tenure includes Emmanuel Akot, who transferred from Arizona and made an immediate impact with his versatility and scoring ability.
Such decisions demonstrate Rice’s capability to navigate the transfer portal effectively.
Leon Rice And NIL Money
NIL money has become a crucial aspect of college basketball, and Leon Rice has embraced it to attract and retain top talent.
Recognizing its importance, Rice supports his players in securing NIL deals that benefit them financially while playing for Boise State.
Rice’s approach to NIL involves collaborating with local businesses and leveraging Boise State’s platform to create opportunities for players.
This not only benefits the athletes but also enhances the program’s attractiveness to potential recruits.
For instance, some players have secured deals with local companies, increasing their visibility and earning potential.
Rice’s proactive attitude towards NIL ensures that players feel valued and are more likely to commit to the program for the long term.
How Much Is Leon Rice’s Contract For?
Leon Rice, the head coach of Boise State’s men’s basketball team, has recently seen significant updates to his contract. His agreement includes details about his annual salary and potential incentives.
How Much Does Leon Rice Make In Salary Per Year?
Leon Rice’s contract with Boise State University includes a salary increase which brings his compensation to $900,000 for the 2023 fiscal year.
This contract extension runs through 2027, reflecting the university’s commitment to retaining him.
The new five-year contract adds $150,000 to his previous annual salary. Under this extension, his consistent track record plays a vital role in securing such a lucrative deal.
How Much Does Leon Rice Make In Incentives Per Year?
Leon Rice’s contract also includes various performance-based bonuses. These incentives can significantly boost his earnings.
For instance, triggering certain victory milestones or postseason achievements can lead to substantial bonuses.
After Boise State’s win at Air Force, the extension included a one-year bonus worth $1.15 million.
These incentives align with the goals set by the university and serve as rewards for achieving key performance metrics and successes.
What Is Leon Rice Net Worth?
Leon Rice, the head coach of the Boise State Broncos, has accumulated an impressive net worth through his career in college basketball. His estimated net worth stands at $5 million.
Salary Breakdown
Rice’s earnings are largely driven by his annual salary, which exceeds $750,000. Within this sum, his base salary is around $400,000.
In 2018, Rice signed a five-year deal worth $3.75 million, which saw him earning $700,000 in the first year.
Additionally, a recent contract extension now ties him to Boise State until 2028.
Contracts and Bonuses
- 2018 Contract: 5 years, $3.75 million
- Base Salary: $400,000
- First-Year Earnings in 2018: $700,000
- 2027 Extension: A new five-year agreement was reached in 2022
A significant victory at Air Force added a one-year, $1.15 million extension to his contract, making his achievements on the court quite lucrative.
Recognition and Achievements
Leon Rice is the winningest head coach in Boise State men’s basketball history. His consistent performance and leadership have helped secure these lucrative contracts and extensions.