TheDOCTORdre
05-23-2006, 10:20 AM
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Pat Summitt is the newest millionaire coach — and the first in women's basketball.
Tennessee raised Summitt's salary Monday to $1.125 million for next season and extended her contract six years, through the 2011-12 season.
Geno Auriemma of Connecticut, the Lady Vols' biggest rival, will be the next coach to make over $1 million a year. He signed a five-year contract in 2005 worth a total of $4.85 million. His salary for this coming season is $975,000 and it will increase to $1.05 million for 2007-08.
Women's athletic director Joan Cronan called the salary a "landmark statement for women's athletics."
"The university has made a statement that success in both athletics and academics is important. Pat has had 32 successful years at Tennessee, and we're looking forward to her being here for at least six more years," she said.
The 53-year-old Summitt leads all Division I basketball coaches — men's and women's — with 913 career wins. Tennessee has won six national championships under Summitt.
Her salary was $975,000 last season.
"Not only is coach Summitt the winningest coach in college basketball, but she is a tremendous ambassador for our university and our state," school president John Petersen said. "I am proud that she will continue to represent the university for many years to come."
Summitt's base salary will increase from $300,000 to $325,000. She will get $350,000 for radio and television commitments, $300,000 for endorsements and $150,000 as a public relations fee.
Over six years, the salary package will increase each year and average $1.3 million a year. The contract calls for Summitt to be paid $1.5 million in the final year.
The Lady Vols missed a chance at a 17th Final Four appearance last season when they lost to North Carolina in the regional finals. They had not missed the Final Four since 2001.
Two highlights of the past season included Summitt reaching her 900th win in January and Candace Parker becoming the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and twice in one contest. She had two dunks against Army in the first round.
Summitt is the second-highest paid coach at Tennessee behind football coach Phillip Fulmer, who makes $2.05 million annually. Men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl got a raise earlier this year to $1.1 million from $800,000.
Tennessee raised Summitt's salary Monday to $1.125 million for next season and extended her contract six years, through the 2011-12 season.
Geno Auriemma of Connecticut, the Lady Vols' biggest rival, will be the next coach to make over $1 million a year. He signed a five-year contract in 2005 worth a total of $4.85 million. His salary for this coming season is $975,000 and it will increase to $1.05 million for 2007-08.
Women's athletic director Joan Cronan called the salary a "landmark statement for women's athletics."
"The university has made a statement that success in both athletics and academics is important. Pat has had 32 successful years at Tennessee, and we're looking forward to her being here for at least six more years," she said.
The 53-year-old Summitt leads all Division I basketball coaches — men's and women's — with 913 career wins. Tennessee has won six national championships under Summitt.
Her salary was $975,000 last season.
"Not only is coach Summitt the winningest coach in college basketball, but she is a tremendous ambassador for our university and our state," school president John Petersen said. "I am proud that she will continue to represent the university for many years to come."
Summitt's base salary will increase from $300,000 to $325,000. She will get $350,000 for radio and television commitments, $300,000 for endorsements and $150,000 as a public relations fee.
Over six years, the salary package will increase each year and average $1.3 million a year. The contract calls for Summitt to be paid $1.5 million in the final year.
The Lady Vols missed a chance at a 17th Final Four appearance last season when they lost to North Carolina in the regional finals. They had not missed the Final Four since 2001.
Two highlights of the past season included Summitt reaching her 900th win in January and Candace Parker becoming the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and twice in one contest. She had two dunks against Army in the first round.
Summitt is the second-highest paid coach at Tennessee behind football coach Phillip Fulmer, who makes $2.05 million annually. Men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl got a raise earlier this year to $1.1 million from $800,000.