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In 2019, University of Virginia men's basketball coach Tony Bennett led the Cavaliers to their first appearance in the Final Four in 35 years and to win their first NCAA championship title in the history of the program.
But when UVA president Jim Ryan and sports director Carla Williams tried to give Bennett an increase after the victory, they rejected it.
"President Ryan and Carla have been very kind to what they've proposed as a potential contract, but I have a very good contract," Bennett said in an article posted on the website. of UVA on September 15th. "I have more than enough, and if there are ways that it can help the sports department, other programs and coaches, by not getting as much [in men’s basketball]it's my desire. "
"I have more than what I need," he said. "I am blessed beyond what I deserve."
The coach also donated $ 500,000 to a career training initiative for current and former male basketball players. Rejecting additional compensation "just does not happen in our industry," Williams said.
Bennett said he consulted his wife, Laurel, before making his decision. "She always said, can we do something that can make a difference?" It is important to him and we have talked a lot about it, "he said.
Head Coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers high fives players in a second half against Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on March 4, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeated Syracuse 79-53.
Brett Carlsen / Getty Images
USA Today estimates that Bennett won $ 4.15 million last season.
The state public employee salary database in Virginia indicates that Bennett's base salary is $ 525,000. The Daily Progress reports that he also received $ 1.175 billion in performance incentives for the team's 2018-2019 season, which ended in a 35-to-3 record and for to have won the national championship.
According to documents obtained by The Daily Progress as part of a Freedom of Information Act application, a Bennett contract amendment effective July 2017 includes an annual "additional indemnity" of $ 2.5 million. dollars, which usually includes an allowance for the use by a university of coach likeness or image.
His contract would also have included longevity bonuses of $ 1 million to stay with the team. He received such a bonus on March 15, 2019 and should receive the same amount in 2021 and 2023 he is still the coach of the team.
With his base salary ($ 525,000), performance bonuses ($ 1.175 million), additional compensation ($ 2.5 million) and longevity bonus ($ 1 million), Bennett's total compensation could reach $ 5.2 million per season.
This places Bennett among the highest paid university coaches in the country. The top 10 best-paid NCAA basketball coaches all earn more than $ 3 million. The highest paid coach, Mike Krzyzewski, earns about $ 9 million a year.
"Laurel and I are in an ideal position and in the past my contract has been increased," Bennett said. "We feel great peace about where we are, what has happened and how we feel about this sports department, this community and this school. I like to be at UVA. "
As for the team's recent successes, "I know I'm a bit biased, but I think it's one of the biggest sports stories ever told," he said. Bennett.
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Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett narrowed the net after winning the Texas Red Raiders 85-77 in the final game of the 2018 NCAA National Men's Championship at US Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis. , Minnesota.
Tom Pennington / Getty Images
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