TUSCALOOSA, Ala., June 27 (UPI) -- Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried signed a new six-year contract Sunday.
The school said on its Web site that the new deal is worth $1 million annually, making him the first men's hoops coach to reach the million dollar mark.
"I feel this new contract reflects the tremendous progress Coach Gottfried has made, not only on the basketball court but in the graduation rates of his student-athletes as well," said Athletic Director Mal Moore. "The graduation rates and APR (Academic Progress Rate) in men's basketball was among the very best nationally, and that is a very important area to me."
Gottfried has been at Alabama since March 1998, and compiled a 143-83 record. The Crimson Tide has qualified for four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. His previous deal had him locked up through the 2008 season. The new contract will pay him a $200,000 base salary and an additional $800,000 in talent fees.
