Kansas signs Self to new 10-year, $30 million contract
Kansas coach Bill Self had his turn Wednesday in what can now officially be called a trend.
Self, who was pursued by his alma mater Oklahoma State after the Jayhawks won the national title in April in San Antonio, signed a new 10-year contract, retroactive to April 1, that will pay him $3 million a year and keep him at the school until March 31, 2018. Kansas released the details of the contract Wednesday.
A year ago, Florida's Billy Donovan won the NCAA national title, turned away a suitor in Kentucky, signed and then rescinded a deal with the Orlando Magic, and ultimately signed a six-year deal with the Gators worth $3.5 million annually.
Whoever wins the title in 2009 may be in for a similar deal, too, if this trend continues.
Self's new overall package increases his salary from the current $1,610,600 a year. The contract has a base salary of $229,900, an additional professional services package of $2,270,100 and a retention payment of $500,000 (after taxes) per year, if he remains each year of the contract.
Self's base salary didn't change from the old contract, but the personal services portion was previously $1,155,700 and his retention payment was $225,000.
Kansas made clear in its release that no tuition dollars or state funds were used in the raise, but that the money came from private resources.
Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins told ESPN.com in San Antonio before and after the Jayhawks won the title that he was never worried he would lose Self to Oklahoma State. Wednesday, Perkins issued a statement saying he was "thrilled that Bill will be our coach for years to come. He has done a tremendous job leading the Kansas men's basketball program both on and off the court; there's no one I'd rather have at the helm of the Kansas program."
Self, who wasn't available for comment Wednesday, said in the same statement that he was thankful to the school, president and athletic director for the confidence in him, then added that he "cannot imagine a better place to play, or to coach, than the University of Kansas. My family and I look forward to being part of the Kansas and Lawrence communities for many years to come."
Kansas lost six of its top eight players from last season's title-winning team. Five of the six -- juniors Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers, sophomore Darrell Arthur and seniors Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun -- were selected in the two-round NBA draft in June. The Jayhawks will be led by returnees Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich, as well as a stellar seven-player incoming class.
