UF athletics director Scott Stricklin signed a three-year contract extension on July 22 that increased his total annual compensation by nearly $600,000, according to records obtained by several media outlets.
He is now under contract through Oct. 31, 2027.
Stricklin’s base salary increased from $545,900 to $1 million. His payment for media and press relations duties increased from $150,000 to $270,000.
The other terms of his contract remained the same. He receives $250,000 each year as a retention bonus, $110,000 as a longevity incentive and $95,000 in an expense account. He also receives travel perks that add up to about $62,000 per year.
His buyout for termination without cause is the sum of his base salary and retention bonus for the remaining years on his contract.
Since Stricklin, 51, took over as athletics director in 2016, the Gators have won seven team national championships. He’s also overseen the construction of Florida Ballpark and major renovations to Katie Seashole Pressley Stadium.
The Bill Heavener Football Training Center is expected to be completed soon, while work is also being done at Dizney Stadium, home to the lacrosse and soccer teams.
There are also plans to reduce the capacity of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and make a series of enhancements to the stadium.
Despite the financial challenges brought on by COVID-19, the University Athletic Association made it through the 2020-21 academic year without cutting any sports or furloughing a single employee.
However, Stricklin has also found himself embroiled in controversy in recent months. On July 16, women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer resigned, citing personal reasons. Starting in September, multiple former players came out with a series of allegations of physical and emotional abuse by Newbauer.
Cydnee Kinslow said that she and one other player attempted suicide due to Newbauer’s abuse.
A report by the Independent Florida Alligator claimed that a parent emailed Stricklin about Newbauer’s abuse in early 2019. No disciplinary action was taken against Newbauer until his resignation in 2021.
How in the bloody hell has he not been caned due to girls basket ball coach. I find it extremely offensive and it will come back to embarrass the university.