FanHouse ErnieKent

In a bit of shocking news, Oregon extended head basketball coach Ernie Kent's contract through the 2012-2013 season. His salary will be $1.06 million during that period with his assistant coaches also receiving a raise.

The reason this is shocking is that Kent seemed to be on thin ice with the Ducks. It's really no fault of his own: he's taken the Ducks to the NCAA Tournament five times in since 2000 ... including the past two seasons. He has led Oregon to the Elite Eight twice. Only seven coaches from BCS schools have held their job longer than Kent's 11 seasons in Eugene.

He is a very nice recruiter and has overseen a new golden age for an Oregon program that wasn't too good when he got there.

Still, there have been harsh critics. Some say he can't develop the talent of his top recruits and there was that down period from 2004-2006 when the Ducks missed the tournament and once finished with losing record. Kent has also had some person issues that were gossiped about. There are also some very wealthy boosters at Oregon who don't like him (they want Gonzaga's Mark Few ... now!) as they pay for a new arena.

It seems as if Kent will be there for the opening for the new digs ... or those boosters forking over some money to buy Kent out. Either way, he finally has a little room to breathe.

I get the feeling that Oregon would have been really happy if Michigan had tried to lure Ernie Kent away, despite an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Oregon and Ernie Kent agreed on a new five-year extension. The deal gives Kent more money but less security. The contract puts Kent's compensation right around $1 million per year through the 2011-2012 season.

Unlike his prior contract, however, there is no rollover clause to automatically extend the contract. Another interesting feature is that it reduces the buyout from the school if he is fired before the end of the contract. It had been the total remaining years on his contract, Now, it is simply a flat fee of $1 million dollars. Whether he would be fired after next season or just before the final year of his contract. The final feature suggesting Oregon wouldn't mind Kent seeking another job: no buyout requirements from Kent if he leaves.

Usually, a school wants some assurances the coach will stay after an extension and a raise. Here, Oregon seems to be begging him to keep looking.

Kent's job security is clearly based on continuing to win, without any rebuilding -- more then most coaches. The transfer of Chamberlain Oguchi and the loss of his assistant coach and top recruiter to UCLA won't help.

Previously at FanHouse:
Oregon's Ernie Kent Needs to Win
Oregon's Kent Will Probably Be Back Next Season
Oregon's Chamberlain Oguchi to Transfer