EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -Basketball coach Ernie Kent and Oregon have agreed to terms on a new contract that will run through the 2012-13 season.
The agreement, which took effect July 1, raises Kent's annual minimum guaranteed salary from $1 million to $1,060,000. It also will provide more than $347,000 in additional salary and benefits for his staff. It will take the place of Kent's previous contract, which ran through 2010.
``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,'' Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny said in a statement.
``That speaks a lot not only for the commitment he has for his players and staff but also the university and this community.''
The agreement also raises Kent's buyout clause from $1 million to $1.15 million.
Kent is 211-134 as head coach at Oregon. He has guided the Ducks to five NCAA tournament appearances, including two round-of-eight appearances, the 2002 Pacific-10 Conference regular-season championship, and two conference tournament titles.
``I am honored to have been the head basketball coach at the University of Oregon for the last 11 years,'' Kent said. ``But our work here has just started. I want to build on the momentum and excitement that has been generated from our recent success ... and take this program to the next level.''
The university also announced that it will hire a strength and conditioning coach for the basketball team.
