RENO, Nev. - University of Nevada head men's basketball coach Trent Johnson has agreed to a five-year contract worth more than $450,000 per year, the school announced today at a press conference in Legacy Hall on campus.
Johnson, 47, just completed his fifth year at Nevada and helped the Pack tie for their first regular-season WAC crown and then guided them through the WAC Tournament in capturing the conference title and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Under Johnson's direction, Nevada advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history and tied the school record for victories in finishing with a 25-9 mark.
The Seattle native has a 79-74 record at the school and has taken the Pack to back-to-back post-season appearances, receiving an NIT bid a year ago before guiding Nevada to this year's NCAA Tournament and beating Michigan State and Gonzaga to advance to the Sweet 16 and the Regional in St. Louis last weekend. Prior to Johnson's arrival, the school had made just two NCAA appearances but had never won a game in the national tournament.
"There is no greater achievement in sport than to be called champions. This championship team has left an indelible mark in the minds of all Wolf Pack fans that will stand the test of time," Athletics Director Chris Ault said. "I am very proud of Trent, not just because of the success of this team, but because he stands for everything that is good about our University," Ault said.
The contract calls for a $200,000 base salary, $150,000 in radio and TV compensation as well $100,000 for appearances and benefits. There are annual salary increases and incentive packages for conference championships, post-season play and coach-of-the-year awards throughout the life of the contract, as well.
"I am thrilled to be able to stay here and continue what we've started. I've said it before, I don't want to be known as a 'hot commodity', I want to be known as someone who was a part of building something special. The players, my coaching staff and the administration have been very good to me. You're only as good as the people around you and I look forward to the challenges ahead," Johnson said.
"My colleagues and I are pleased that Coach Johnson has chosen to continue leading the outstanding men's basketball program he has put in place at Nevada," said Dr. John Lilley, University president. "He is an extraordinary individual who epitomizes our values of integrity, leadership and excellence."