The Arizona Board of Regents has approved Kevin Sumlin's five-year, $14.5-million contract as Arizona's new football coach.
The board voted at its meeting Thursday in Phoenix to approve Sumlin, who was hired Jan. 14 following a nearly two-week search for Rich Rodriguez's replacement. Rodriguez was fired Jan. 2, the same day a $7.5 million notice of claim against the coach was made public.
Sumlin will make $2 million per year in both 2018 and 2019, with that sum jumping to $3.5 million in 2020. The former Texas A&M coach can earn an additional $2 million a year in academic and on-field performance bonuses. The extras range from $25,000 (for making a bowl game and finishing the season ranked between No. 19 and No.25 nationally) to $500,000 for playing in the CFP National Championship Game and $1 million for winning it.
The ABOR action item described the 53-year-old Sumlin as "an accomplished coach and excellent recruiter," and said the coach "shares UA’s vision and values."
"Sumlin’s experience and reputation align well with UA’s goals and vision for the future of its football program," it said. "His commitment to academics and to community service are a testament to his character. His leadership will bring an exciting new era of football and a positive culture for our student athletes, fans, and staff."
Arizona must pay Sumlin $10 million if he is fired without cause in the first two years of his deal. The buyout figures drop to $7.5 million in 2020 and $5 million in 2021. Similarly, Sumlin must pay the UA $10 million if he leaves in the first two years of his deal, with those figures dropping to $5 million in Year 3, $3 million in Year 4 and $1 million in Year 5.
Sumlin's contract includes offset language, thought to be a first for a major UA coach. Sumlin and the university agreed that he must seek employment if he is terminated by the UA, and whatever he makes would lessen Arizona’s remaining buyout to him.
The coach is forbidden from taking a job with another conference team for one year after he stops coaching at Arizona, regardless of the reason for his departure. Sumlin must pay $100,000 in damages if he is found guilty of breaking NCAA rules.
Thursday's news caps a busy week for Sumlin, who unveiled a 20-person recruiting class and met with boosters on Wednesday.
Sumlin and the Wildcats will open spring drills on March 19.
