Iona Announces Contract Extension for Tim Cluess

Two days before Iona plays their first game in the MAAC tournament, the Gaels have locked up their coach until the 2018-19 season.

Iona announced on Thursday that they have extended Cluess for the first time under athletic director Rick Cole Jr, who is in his first year on the job after coming from Dowling in April.

“The success Coach Cluess has had since arriving at Iona has been almost unprecedented,” Cole Jr. said in a statement. “We’re very excited to have him on board for at least another five years.”

Over four seasons, Cluess is 90-43 at Iona and appears to be the favorite to win his first MAAC Coach of the Year award on Friday. has made the NCAA tournament in each of the last two seasons.

“I’m very proud to be a part of the Iona College Community,” Cluess said in a statement. “We will continue to work hard to build on our recent success on the court and I’m very appreciative of the support Dr. [Joseph E.] Nyre and our administration has given us.”

The news comes exactly 11 months to the day that Cluess and the school announced his “recommitment” to fulfill the remainder of his contract.

This season the Gaels won the MAAC regular season championship and are guaranteed at least an invitation to the NIT, should they not win the MAAC tournament this weekend in Springfield.

Before coaching the Gaels to what will be four straight postseason events, the Hofstra graduate coached at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Suffolk Community College and Long Island University at C.W. Post before becoming the 12th head coach in Iona’s history in April 2010. In 24 seasons, combined between all four institutions, Cluess has racked up a record of 475-153.

Ryan Restivo covers the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the America East conference and Hofstra for Big Apple Buckets. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanarestivo or contact Ryan at rrestivo[at]nycbuckets.com