Mills receives multi-year extension to remain as football coach

Head coach Jay Mills

Charleston, S.C. - Charleston Southern University athletic director Hank Small has announced that head football coach Jay Mills has received a multi-year contract extension, this after Mills guided the Buccaneers to their best season ever and a share of the 2005 Big South Conference championship.

“It is obvious to everyone that coach Mills has done an outstanding job since taking over our football program three years ago and this extension is a reward for his efforts,” said Small. “Our program has shown steady and solid improvement each year under coach Mills and we look forward to having him continue as our coach well into the future.”

In three seasons as head coach, Mills has posted a 13-20 record, including a 7-4 mark in 2005. The Buccaneers won only one game in Mills’ first season, improving to five wins in 2004.

Mills recently was named the 2005 Big South Conference Coach of the Year after the Buccaneers went 3-1 in conference play, including a thrilling 34-27 double overtime win over Coastal Carolina in the final game of the regular season. CSU ended the season with five consecutive wins, a school-record.

“It is a privilege for me to continue my association with Charleston Southern University,” said Mills. “I have the utmost respect for (President) Dr. Jairy Hunter and the entire Buccaneer family. Our coaching staff and squad members look forward to building upon the foundation that has been laid as we strive to equal CSU’s rich academic tradition on the gridiron.”

Hired in December of 2002, Mills came to CSU from his post as offensive coordinator at Harvard University. His Buccaneer teams have established numerous school records in the last two seasons.

The Buccaneers boast the 2005 Big South Offensive Player of the Year (quarterback Collin Drafts), the 2005 Big South Defensive Player of the Year (linebacker Jada Ross) and the 2005 Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year (defensive end Adam DeGraffenreid).