Updated 10/12COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
Kansas Athletics is committed to employing coaches and administrative staff members who are capable of performing in professional roles in an educational community where high standards of integrity and ethical behavior, as well as sportsmanship, are valued and expected (see Policy 101, Mission Statements & Philosophy).
All full-time head coaches are hired by contract. Coaching contracts may vary in terms and duration, depending on the sport and the coaching position.
Employment Negotiations
Kansas Athletics searches for coaches and administrators who demonstrate a quality image in athletics and who will promote academic success. In order to hire this type of individual, candidates may be recruited from other educational institutions. However, Kansas Athletics will not enter into negotiations with an individual who is under contract to another educational institution without first contacting that institution and securing permission. Likewise, if a staff member is under contract with Kansas Athletics and is contacted by another institution, he/she is expected to notify the Director of Athletics before entering into negotiations. Once negotiations have begun, the staff member is also expected to keep the Director of Athletics or his designee informed about the status of those negotiations; all contractual obligations must be fulfilled prior to beginning employment with another institution.
Commitment to the NCAA
The policies of Kansas Athletics regarding employment contracts reflect both the philosophy of the University and of the NCAA. All contractual agreements with athletics’ staff members are to contain a provision stipulating that the University or Kansas Athletics has the right to terminate an employment contract with any staff member found in violation of NCAA rules or regulations.
Contract Provisions
All contracts must be in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the University of Kansas, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA. The University and Kansas Athletics recognize their obligation and legal responsibility to uphold all contractual agreements. Likewise, administrative and coaching staff members are expected to represent the University and Kansas Athletics in a positive, professional manner, while abiding by all applicable University, Kansas Athletics, Conference and NCAA rules and regulations.
While contracts with individual staff members may vary according to duties and responsibilities, the sport or administrative area involved, and the budget and revenue- producing capability of the unit, they all must:
- State clearly all salary and benefit agreements;
- Specify any special concessions or additional provisions that are to be included;
- Stipulate the duration of the contract; and
- Include an NCAA compliance clause.
Contract Renewal/Non-Renewal
Multi-year employment contracts may be renewed prior to their expiration by the Director of Athletics. The criteria used when evaluating the renewal of a coach’s contract include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
1. NCAA and University rules compliance;
2. Student-athlete academic success;
3. Success on the field;
4. Success in public relations and fundraising;
5. Player relationships;
6. Administrative skills, including adherence to budget allocations;
7. Personality;
8. Integrity;
9. Loyalty to the University and Kansas Athletics;
10. Talent of the individual; and
11. Work ethic.
Individuals whose contracts are not renewed are notified in writing by the Director of Athletics or his designee prior to the recruitment and hiring of replacement staff.