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Ed Cooley signs extension at Providence, won’t coach at Michigan

NCAA Basketball Tournament - First Round - Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts on the sideline against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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Ed Cooley is staying at Providence.

After a couple of days being linked with the opening at Michigan and interviewing with Michigan AD Warde Manuel about replacing John Beilein, Cooley and Providence announced on Tuesday that the two sides had agreed to a deal on a multi-year contract extension.

“While it’s very flattering to be considered for other head coaching jobs, after talking with my family I have decided to remain in my hometown of Providence,” Cooley said in a news release. “The Friars are my family. Most importantly, my commitment is to my players and my team at Providence. I am extremely grateful to Father Brian Shanley, Athletic Director Bob Driscoll, the donors, season ticket holders and fans for all that they have done for me and my family. They have helped make Providence basketball one of the best jobs in the BIG EAST and the country. Their commitment and support with resources and other means has made me realize what a special place Providence College is. A few months ago we opened the best practice facility in the country – the Ruane Development Center. I also want to thank and appreciate my lawyer Dennis Coleman for all his insight and guidance.”

It’s always difficult to tell how these things played out -- did Cooley pull his name out of the mix because he wanted to stay at Providence, did he pull out because he got word that Juwan Howard is likely to end up getting the job, was it all of the above? -- but at this point it doesn’t matter. Cooley has done an impressive job making Providence relevant in the Big East, and he is regarded as one of the better coaches in the league.