Kevin Sumlin was introduced as the Arizona Wildcats' new football coach on Tuesday, saying he considers Tucson and the UA "a special place."
Check out some of the highlights below, courtesy of The Wildcaster's Twitter feed:
Kevin Sumlin introduction: “Good morning, Bear Down.” pic.twitter.com/SxwD1DOx3v
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Kevin Sumlin says the program will be involved on campus and in the community. pic.twitter.com/h3JLjuwgzz
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Kevin Sumlin on taking a step back from coaching and seeking advice between Texas A&M and Arizona. pic.twitter.com/h90Q6pHmGs
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Kevin Sumlin on working with Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate. pic.twitter.com/jdUBCTNKds
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Sumlin will make $14.5 million over five years in a contract released to the public Tuesday morning. Sumlin's annual base pay will rise every year he is in Tucson. Sumlin is scheduled to make $2 million in 2018 and 2019, with the salary bumping to $3.5 million in his next three seasons.
The contract offers "mutual payout obligations" in case Sumlin leaves the UA for another job, or if the UA terminates him early. The contract contains a mitigation requirement, which will protect the UA if he is fired by the athletic department and gets another job elsewhere. Former coach Rich Rodriguez had no such protection; as a result, the UA paid him $6.28 million in buyout money two weeks ago. Sumlin benefited from a similar deal at Texas A&M, his former stop. The Aggies paid him $10 million when he was fired at the end of November.