LITTLE ROCK — LOUISVILLE Coach receives extension
Charlie Strong got a long-term commitment from Louisville on Wednesday that makes him one of the top 10 highest-paid Division I football coaches.
The Cardinals coach and the university agreed on an eight-year contract extension that will pay Strong an annual base salary of $3.7 million, plus performance incentives worth $583,333 if Louisville wins the BCS championship game.
Strong’s base salary places him seventh among Division I coaches, just behind Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz ($3.8million). Strong earned $2.305 million in 2012.
Strong wasn’t available for comment, but Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich said the deal follows his philosophy of long-term stability. In October, the school extended the contract of men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino five years through the 2021-2022 season.
“I like stability,” Jurich said. “I believe in stability, and both coaches have shown us everything we could possibly want as great leaders of young men, and as ambassadors for the university and the community. I think they’re both great fits.”
Strong’s third season with Louisville ended with a 33-23 upset of Florida in the Sugar Bowl three weeks ago, the school’s second BCS bowl victory. The Cardinals (11-2) were ranked 13th in the final poll and won a share of the Big East Conference championship for the second consecutive year.
The deal comes more than a month after Strong, 52, rejected an offer to become Tennessee’s coach, saying he was staying because of Louisville’s commitment to him and his relationship with players.
The contract extension is loaded with incentives, including a bonus of $308,333 for reaching a postseason bowl; $25,000 for winning the conference championship; up to $50,000 for a top-10 ranking; $100,000 for reaching a BCS bowl and another $100,000 if Louisville qualifies and wins the BCS championship.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
NCAA to hear appeal
ORLANDO, Fla. - A spokesman for the University of Central Florida said the NCAA is set to hear its appeal of a one-year postseason ban in football.
Grant Heston said Wednesday that Central Florida President John Hitt, Athletic Director Todd Stansbury and others will attend the hearing at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis today.
It is the lone penalty Central Florida challenged as part of sanctions levied last July for major recruiting violations in football and basketball. Central Florida also received a one year postseason ban in basketball, a $50,000 fine, five years’ probation, reduction of basketball scholarships and limits on football recruiting.
Central Florida’s appeal allowed it to participate in postseason play in 2012. The Knights finished 10-4 this season, defeating Ball State in the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl.
Central Florida moves to the Big East in all sports next season.
OHIO STATE Buckeyes lose 2 players
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State has announced that two players will no longer play for the Buckeyes, one because of injury and another who wishes to play closer to his home in Colorado.
Sophomore linebacker Conner Crowell, from Waldorf, Md., has decided to give up football. He has had two micro-fracture surgeries while at Ohio State for an injury that occurred while he was in high school. Ohio State medical staff had not cleared him to play.
Freshman offensive lineman Joey O’Connor, from Windsor, Colo., requested a transfer to play closer to home. He was redshirted last fall as the Buckeyes went 12-0 under first year coach Urban Meyer.
OKLAHOMA
Defender pleads guilty
NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma defensive back Cortez Johnson has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and received a six-month deferred sentence and three months of probation.
Assistant District Attorney Dane Powery tells the Norman (Okla.) Transcript that Johnson took “full responsibility” for the marijuana found last month in the car of Sooners wide receiver Jalen Saunders. Misdemeanor drug charges against Saunders were dropped Tuesday.
The two players were arrested early Dec. 2 by Cleveland County officers. Authorities said Johnson was driving Saunders’ car at the time of the arrest.
Saunders had 62 receptions for 829 yards and 3 touchdowns last season.
Sports, Pages 26 on 01/24/2013