The University of Arkansas Athletic Department today released the school’s contract with head football coach Bret Bielema.

Some of the broader points were listed when he was hired, but the final details were subject to additional work.

Advertisement

It’s a complicated document. Key points: a $2.95 million annual salary, payable by public and Razorback Foundation money, plus, Lance Turner of Arkansas Business calls to my attention, an additional $250,000 from the Razorback Foundation for speaking fees, for a total of $3.2 million. But that ain’t all. The university will provide health insurance, disability insurance, contributions to the university retirement plan, tuition reductions, travel allowances, two loaner cars, two country club memberships (Blessings and Fayetteville, if available), the ability to make money off a summer football camp on campus, a 12-seat skybox, 20 tickets to Razorback home games and permission to earn outside income from endorsements, consulting and the like.

The contract also provides a variety of incentives — $350,000 for a national championship, for example. There are incentives, too, for academic performance and graduation rate by players, up to $100,000 in each category.

Advertisement

He can be fired for cause. The contract contains a lengthy list of reasons both specific and a general “character” clause. But if the UA just wants him gone, it will have to pay a heavy buyout price in the early going — $12.8 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The figure drops to $9.6 million in 2016, then $6.4 million and then $3.2 million. If all goes well, custom has it that such contracts are renegotiated and rolled over before they expire.

I joshed to Kevin Trainor, top spokeman in athletics, that I was surprised the contract was being released. I’ve written this week about Chancellor David Gearhart’s invocation of “competitive disadvantage” in refusing to reveal how much the UA paid Southern Mississippi to be a sacrificial lamb in Fayetteville last week. Sufferin’ Mississippi happily released the $975,000 figure to the Memphis newspaper. I’m surprised A.D. Jeff Long didn’t direct Gearhart to claim similar secrecy on Bielema’s contract. Doesn’t public knowledge make it hard to negotiate and give competitors info to steal him away?

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Small part of Paul Bookout’s spending went to campaign use Next article Hastings jury selection continues