Breaking: UConn inks Mike Cavanaugh to five-year extension

UConn men’s hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh has taken a program with no scholarships in Atlantic Hockey into a competitive Hockey East squad that’s finished fifth or higher in three of the last four seasons. Now, he’s being rewarded with his second contract extension.

On Friday, UConn announced a five-year extension for Cavanaugh which will take him through the 2025-26 season. The deal is worth a total of $1.9 million with a base salary of $360,000 in addition to performance incentives. If Cavanaugh’s still the coach at the end of the contract, he’ll receive an $150,000 bonus.

“Eight years ago, Mike Cavanaugh was tasked with the challenge of leading UConn hockey through its transition from Atlantic Hockey and into the best conference in the country,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a release. ”Over the last several seasons, we have been competitive with the best teams in the country and there is a lot of momentum behind this program. It is clear that Cav is a great fit and the right leader to take UConn hockey to the next level.”

Cavanaugh just completed his eighth year at the helm, a season in which the Huskies finished a record fourth in Hockey East and earned a national ranking for the first time in program history. Junior Jonny Evans also became UConn’s first All-American at the Division I level. Overall, he’s amassed a 76-90-22 record as the head coach.

“I’m very thankful to director of athletics David Benedict and the Board of Trustees for their continued trust and support in me, my coaching staff and the entire hockey program,” Cavanaugh said. “For those that follow the team, you have seen that night in and out we are highly competitive and fun to watch as we make progress each year in the very demanding Hockey East conference.

“There is a lot to be excited about here with a new arena breaking ground, recent firsts in the program with breaking into the Top 20 poll and players being named All-American and signing NHL contracts. I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about leading this program and building on the significant momentum we’ve achieved so far.”