Tennessee women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper signed a contract extension through the 2026 season in May. Tennessee announced the extension this week as a part of nine UT coaches that received contract extensions.
Harper’s extension gives the Lady Vols coach a $50,000 raise from $750,000 a year to $800,000 a year.
The second year head coach’s buyout was increased. Prior to the extension Harper was owed 33% of the remainder of her contract.
Now, before April 15, 2023 the university owes Harper 100% of the remainder of her contract. Between April 15, 2023 and April 15, 2025 the university owes Harper 50% of the remainder of her contract.
If fired after April 15, 2025 Harper is owed the full remainder of her contract.
The extension includes three private flights with family members for personal use a year.
Harper’s bonus structure remains the same in the contract extension. The Lady Vols’ coach earns a $50,000 bonus for winning the SEC regular season and $25,000 for winning the SEC Tournament.
Harper’s NCAA Tournament bonuses include $20,000 for a first round appearance, $40,000 for a Sweet 16 appearance, $60,000 for an Elite Eight appearance, $80,000 for a final four appearance and $150,000 for winning the National Championship.
The former Tennessee point guard will receive a $15,000 bonus for winning the Naismith Coach of Year award and $10,000 for winning SEC Coach of the Year.
In the classroom, Harper can earn a $25,000 bonus for her team finishing above the national average in APR.
Harper enters her third season as the Lady Vols head coach this winter. In her first two seasons, Tennessee has gone 38-10 and 19-9 in SEC play. The Lady Vols earned a marquee win in Harper’s second season, upsetting South Carolina.
Tennessee lost to Michigan in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
One Response
Kelly Harper is worth more than her current contract. She will be the best coach, going forward for the lady vols. She has proven her coaching skills, players respect, and has player management, including making players up their GPA’s. She is an excellent coach and the only choice to lead the Lady Vols to a National Championship next year. I am an Alumni of Auburn University, and Student athlete, and all-American honors in 1986. Yes i am old but still competitive. Thanks for your time, and Go Lady Vols!! Kelly Harper deserves respect, continuity, and support for her 2022-2023 winning season. I can’t wait see her in the NCAA Tournament.