KNOXVILLE Tenn.
Pat Summitt is the newest millionaire coach and the first in women’s basketball. The University of Tennessee recently raised Summitt’s salary to $1.125 million for next season and extended her contract six years, through the 2011-2112 season.
Geno Auriemma of the University of Connecticut, the Lady Vols’ biggest rival, will be the next coach to make more than $1 million a year. According to the five-year contract he signed in 2005, his salary will be $1.05 million for the 2007-2008 season.
“What a statement. I’m obviously just honored to be the coach and very thankful to have this opportunity because of so many great staff members,” Summitt said. “You think of all the All-Americans and Olympians and just the players that walked on years ago and helped us build this program. It’s incredible what has happened.”
Women’s athletic director Joan Cronan called the salary a “landmark statement for women’s athletics.
Summitt, 53, leads all Division I basketball coaches, men’s and women’s, with 913 career wins. Tennessee has won six national championships under Summitt, and the court is named “The Summitt” in her honor.
“Not only is Coach Summitt the winningest coach in college basketball, but she is a tremendous ambassador for our university and our state,” school president John Petersen said. “I am proud that she will continue to represent the university for many years to come.”
