The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
New Contract For UAB's Mike Anderson Approved by UA Compensation Committee
5/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 20, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The Compensation Committee of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved a new contract for UAB men's basketball coach Mike Anderson.
Anderson, who just completed his second year at UAB, has agreed to a contract that will pay him a base salary of $600,000 through April 6, 2009. In addition, Anderson's new contract could also pay him up to $175,000 in incentives for NCAA Tournament appearances and for reaching graduation rate goals. The contract also includes a one-time buyout of $300,000 if Anderson were to leave prior to the contract's expiration.
"We are extremely excited to have this worked out and to have Mike staying at UAB," said Blazers' Director of Athletics Watson Brown. "We spent a great deal of time on this and feel this demonstrates a significant commitment to Mike and our basketball program.
"We are proud of the job Mike has done in the two years he has been at UAB and thrilled with the excitement that Mike and the program have generated in a short time. Mike is an outstanding coach and an outstanding person and the type of person we want at UAB."
Anderson took over the Blazers' program in April, 2002 and has quickly orchestrated the UAB program back to national prominence. In his first season, Anderson guided UAB to a 21-13 record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament where the Blazers reached the quarterfinal round.
This past season, UAB won a share of the Conference USA regular season championship and went on to become one of the great stories of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. The Blazers, who finished with a record of 22-10, reached the NCAA's Sweet 16 after dramatic victories over Washington and tournament No. 1 seed Kentucky. Anderson was named the Conference USA Coach-of-the-Year for the 2003-04 season. In two seasons at the helm of the UAB program, Anderson has compiled a record of 43-23.
"I am glad to have this behind me and I am looking forward to representing UAB for many years to come," Anderson said of the contract being finalized. " I want to thank Dr. Garrison, Watson Brown and all the UAB fans for having faith in me. This is where I want to be and I am looking forward to the continued success of Blazer basketball."
