Bob Walsh officially became Maine’s new men’s basketball coach Wednesday, according to a university news release.

Walsh, 42, had been coach at Rhode Island College for the past nine years. His hiring to replace Ted Woodward was first reported last weekend, but the four-year contract was not finalized until Tuesday.

Additional Photos

Bob Walsh, 42, will be the new men’s basketball coach at the University of Maine. He compiled a 204-63 record at Division III Rhode Island College. Photo by Tom Maguire / Courtesy Rhode Island College

Walsh will be paid $100,000 in his first year, with increases to $105,000, $110,000 and $120,000 in subsequent years.

Woodward’s contract was bought out April 14 after 10 seasons as Maine’s head coach resulted in just a 117-178 record.

Walsh had a 204-63 record at Division III Rhode Island College. He previously served as an assistant coach at Division I Providence College, San Diego and Iona.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Bob Walsh to the Black Bear family,” Maine Athletic Director Karlton Creech said in the news release. “Bob is a true student and teacher of the game of basketball, and shares his passion for leadership through his Dynamic Leadership Academy. Coach Walsh is highly respected in the college basketball community and ready for the challenge of leading and rebuilding UMaine’s Division I program.”

Walsh earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hamilton College in New York in 1994 and a master’s degree in mass communications from Iona College two years later.

“I’m excited to begin the challenge of establishing a championship culture at the University of Maine as the leader of the men’s basketball program,” Walsh said in the release. “I can’t wait to be a part of the excellent academic and athletic culture at UMaine, and to embrace the energy and passion of the community.”

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