Pat Summitt's contract extended as Lady Vols head coach emeritus

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Pat Summitt

KNOXVILLE - Pat Summitt's role as the University of Tennessee women's basketball program's head coach emeritus will continue.

When the legendary coach stepped down and into the role a year ago, she agreed to a one-year contract, and that deal is being extended one more year, the university announced Wednesday.

The Hall of Fame coach, who turns 61 in June, stepped down as the Lady Volunteers' head coach after a 38-year career that included 1,098 wins and eight national titles was ended by her battle with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, a diagnosis she announced 20 months ago.

"We are excited to have Pat Summitt continue to be affiliated with our athletics department, and specifically our women's basketball program, which she built into the finest program in the nation," Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said in the release announcing the one-year extension.

"Her continued example of leadership and courage sends an everlasting message to our student-athletes, coaches and staff."

During her first year in the role, Summitt made $354,375, and according to the terms Tennessee released on Wednesday, her salary will drop to $85,000. Summitt remained around the program last season and attended most practices and many home games. Her role prohibits her from providing any instruction for players, but Summitt still can participate in on-campus recruiting and provide mentoring for players.

In Holly Warlick's first season as coach, the Lady Vols rebounded from a season-opening loss at UT Chattanooga to win the SEC regular-season title and reach the Elite Eight, where Louisville denied them their first Final Four appearance since winning the championship in 2008.

Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com or 901-581-7288. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/patrickbrowntfp.