LAS VEGAS -- UNLV has offered men's basketball coach Lon
Kruger a contract that would guarantee him $5.2 million over the
next five years.
The contract extension, which needs approval from the Nevada
System of Higher Education regents, comes after Kruger led the
Rebels to a 30-7 season. UNLV reached the NCAA tournament's round
of 16 for the first time in 16 years.
"This contract is necessary to demonstrate a commitment to our
men's head coach," says the document negotiated by UNLV athletic
director Mike Hamrick and included in an agenda for the regents'
June 21 meeting in Reno.
The new five-year deal would provide a big raise from Kruger's
current contract, which had three years remaining.
University athletic department spokesman Andy Grossman said
Monday he could not comment on the contract until after the regents
meeting.
Kruger earned $824,500 for the 2006-07 season, including a base
salary of $165,000, media appearance fees of $300,000 and public
appearance fees of $284,500. He also received a $25,000 bonus for
qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, and an additional $25,000 for
each postseason victory over Georgia Tech and Wisconsin.
Under his old contract, Kruger was to be paid $809,500 plus
incentives for the 2007-08 season. The first year of the new deal
raises his guaranteed salary to $975,000.
The contract increases Kruger's guaranteed salary to $1 million
in the second year, $1.025 million in the third year, $1.075
million in the fourth year and $1.125 million in the final year.
Kruger would reap a completion bonus of $325,000 if he is still
coach at the end of the 2011-12 season. If he leaves UNLV for
another college or professional coaching job, a buyout provision
exists for $500,000.
Kruger is 64-34 in three years with the Rebels.