Butler extend a 12 year contract to their history book coach, Brad Stevens. It was rumored that Stevens had been in talks with the University of Oregon who had the potential to double or triple what Butler could offer. Stevens had also been linked to offers in the ACC from Clemson and Wake Forest.
After the intense championship game against Duke, coach Mike Krzyzewski recommended Stevens stay at Butler and stated "They also should pay him more."
With the amazing run that Butler had in this year's tournament Stevens has made quite a name for himself and put this little Indiana school on the map. Stevens is the youngest coach ever in the Final Four, save for "the General" Bob Knight. He is the 2nd youngest in a championship game. And he now holds the record for most winst in his first three years as a head coach surpassing legends like Jim Boeheim. Under Stevens, the Bulldogs (33-5) set school records for victories and consecutive wins (25).
Michael Roseberg of Sport Illustrated spoke to the potential of Stevens best writing "[Stevens] will be mentioned for every job that comes open, and quite a few jobs that don't come open. Schools without basketball teams will start programs so they can hire him. Towns without schools will open universities so they can have basketball teams so they can hire him."
Terms of the contract, which extends through the 2021-22 seasons were not divulged. It is anticipated that the total package is at least $1 million annually. Two years ago Steven's base salary was $395,000.
The next question is whether Butler's star player Hayward will be staying with Coach Stevens for his 3rd year of college basketball or entering the NBA draft. With the Stevens/Hayward combo the Bulldogs are projected to be ranked in the top 5 at the start of next season.
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