Appalachian State coach Dustin Kerns gets contract extension

Appalachian State men’s basketball coach Dustin Kerns signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season on Friday.

The extension was approved by chancellor Sheri Everts and the university board of trustees. Financial terms were not announced.

The Mountaineers finished the 2023-24 season with a 27-7 record, the most wins ever in program history. They won the Sun Belt Conference title with a 16-2 record, were undefeated at home and played in the NIT, losing in the first round to Wake Forest.

Kerns has a 97-65 record in five seasons with the Mountaineers, with one NCAA Tournament appearance. He was named the Sun Belt Coach of the Year this season.

“Dustin and his staff have turned App State Men’s Basketball into a perennial contender for conference titles and postseason berths, and we are excited to see the program’s continued upward trajectory under his leadership,” athletic director Doug Gillin said in a news release. “With 27 wins, the first regular-season Sun Belt title, historic home crowds and national television appearances, Dustin’s team showed App State can compete among the best in college basketball.”