KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Coach Bruce Pearl has agreed in
principle to a one-year contract extension that will keep him at
Tennessee through 2013 and increase his compensation package to
$1.3 million this year.
The 47-year-old Pearl has revived the Volunteers' men's
basketball program with showmanship -- including his bright orange
blazers -- unbounded enthusiasm and winning since his arrival two
years ago.
The Vols have reached the NCAA tournament twice in as many
years, appearing in the round of 16 this past season after a 24-11
regular season and second-place finish in the SEC.
"Not only is Coach Pearl one of the very best coaches in the
nation, but more importantly he has become a great ambassador for
our university during his tenure," Tennessee President John
Petersen said in a statement.
Pearl was scheduled to get a $100,000 raise to $1.2 million next
season under his old contract. Now he will get an additional
$100,000. Scheduled raises in future years will take him to $1.7
million in 2011-12.
His base salary will rise from $300,000 to $325,000 next year.
He also will get $400,000 for radio and television commitments, a
$375,000 equipment fee and a $200,000 endorsement fee.
Pearl thanked the administration, his staff and players and
"Tennessee fans everywhere for the support they have shown our
team."
That support has been strong enough to justify a $20 million
renovation of Thompson-Boling Arena and construction of a $16
million basketball practice facility.
"The University of Tennessee has so much to offer -- from great
academic programs to incredible athletic resources to the most
passionate fans in the country," Pearl said in a statement. "I
look forward to being the men's basketball coach at Tennessee for
many more years."
His new contract contains a "loyalty bonus" of $500,000 if he
stays through the 2009-2010 season and another $500,000 bonus due
after the 2012-2013 season.