Roy Williams signs contract extension with UNC

Roy Williams has agreed to a contract extension with the University of North Carolina.

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Roy Williams and the University of North Carolina agreed to a contract extension on Friday that will keep the coach in Chapel Hill through the 2019-2020 season. According to 247Sports, the deal includes both an increase Williams’ base salary and deferred compensation.

"Williams’ new contract includes a base salary ranging from $408,169 next year to $595,409 in 2019-20, deferred compensation ranging from $1,550,000 next year to $1,750,000 in 2019-20 and an annual expense account of $40,000."

The extension also includes a bonus structure that will compensate Williams for making the NCAA tournament and every subsequent round his team advances.

Making NCAA Tournament: $25,000
NCAA Tournament 2nd Round: $100,000
Sweet 16: $150,000
Elite 8 and Final Four: $200,000 each
NCAA Championship: $250,000

According to Williams, the deal now puts him just outside his retirement window, as he would like to remain at his alma mater for roughly two more full recruiting cycles.

"“I’ve said I want to coach another six to 10 years, so this contract takes me right to the edge of that, which is good,” says Williams. “I appreciate the confidence Chancellor Folt and Bubba Cunningham have in my leadership of the basketball program. They’ve demonstrated that with this contract extension, and with their support over the past several years, which have been a challenge for all who love Carolina as I do. I thank them on behalf of our basketball program and me personally.”"

Following the announcement, UNC’s athletics director Bubba Cunningham praised Williams’ acumen as a coach and integrity as an individual.

"“The University of North Carolina is fortunate to have Roy Williams directing its basketball program and we are proud to extend his contract through the 2020 season,” says Cunningham. “His results on the court over 27 years as a head coach are among the most accomplished in the history of the sport, but his love for the University of North Carolina and the way he cares for his students are truly unmatched. Roy is a man of character and integrity and I have great respect for the way he leads our basketball program.”"

That Cunningham mentioned Williams’ integrity was most certainly not unintentional. North Carolina has the specter of NCAA violations hanging over its head following wide-ranging allegations and confirmations of academic impropriety. Williams role in the sanctions (or lack thereof) remains muddled.

Though basketball players have been among those tied to the fraudulent “paper classes” at UNC, Williams has maintained his innocence and ignorance of such courses. He admits to noticing a concentration of his athletes in AFAM classes, but worked with his staff to have players diversify. The university has stuck by Williams, claiming that the operations were done by rogue professors, advisors and employees no longer with the school.

That he’s receiving an extension proves that the athletics department has sided with Williams as well. With a cloud of uncertainty on the horizon, this extension will steady the ship. Coaches can keep recruiting and players will feel no worry that the current regime is on its way out the door. It’s both a show of unity and a “keep calm and carry on.”

In 12 seasons at his alma mater, Williams has amassed a 332-101 record (76.7 win percentage) and won two national championships. His lifetime record sits at 750-202 (78.8 win percentage). Williams is the program’s second winningest coach, behind only his mentor Dean Smith.

Roy Williams agrees to contract extension with UNC

By Jonathan Bass | Jun 19, 2015

Roy Williams has agreed to a contract extension with the University of North Carolina.

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