Oregon, Kent restructure contract

Posted: Fri Jul 18 4:47 PM

Eugene, OR (Sports Network) - The Oregon Ducks and head men's basketball coach Ernie Kent agreed to a new contract Friday that includes a $60,000 raise and an extension through the 2012-13 season.

The new contract guarantees Kent $1,060,000 in annual salary and provides $347,000 of additional salary and benefits to his coaching staff.

"I am thrilled and humbled to have the support shown by president [Dave] Frohnmayer and [athletic director] Pat Kilkenny," Kent said. "The university and its supporters have demonstrated a substantial investment in the continued success of the basketball program at the University of Oregon through the building of a new arena and I felt it was important as a graduate of this great institution that I demonstrate that same commitment in return."

In his 12 seasons as the Ducks' orchestrator on the hardwood, Kent has posted a 211-134 mark and is just one win behind Hall-of-Fame coach Howard Hobson for the school record.

Under Kent, the Ducks have reached five NCAA Tournaments, two Elite Eight appearances and two conference tournament titles. The Ducks finished 18-13 a season ago and fell to the eighth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

"Ernie's acknowledgement of the role that his staff has played in the program's success reached the point that he was willing to deflect substantial personal gain to aid the continued growth of the program," Kilkenny said. "That speaks a lot not only for the commitment he has for his players and staff but also the university and this community."