Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi told Sports Headliners that a contract extension for basketball coach Tubby Smith is being worked on. Representatives for both sides are in discussions.
“We feel confident we will get something done,” Maturi said.
Maturi didn’t offer details on compensation or years, and said it could be months before something is settled. He said that’s the nature of negotiations and although Smith came here in March of 2007 he didn’t sign his first contract until December.
Smith’s seven year contract paid him close to $2 million last season and it includes incentive bonuses. A contract extension exemplifies commitment by Smith and the Gophers to one another. Rumors of Smith leaving for another school have been numerous since he arrived in Minneapolis where he’s coached two of his first three teams to NCAA tournament invitations.
In addition to the contract, Smith wants a new practice facility and Maturi said fundraising will be the source of money for the venue that’s expected to cost about $20 million. The location hasn’t been determined and fundraising is in process.
Asked if a $20 million practice facility raises a question of whether such money should be used toward a new basketball arena to replace 82-year-old Williams Arena, Maturi said a change won’t happen while he’s athletic director. While Maturi acknowledged the building’s age will eventually become an issue, the athletic department already has sizeable financial commitments including for its 23 sports and isn’t looking to take on a project perhaps costing $300 million.
The budget could receive a boost in 2012 if plans develop to stage an outdoor January or February hockey game involving the Gophers men’s team and another college program. Maturi has seen other athletic departments host successful outdoor games and wants to pursue the temporary installation of an outdoor rink at TCF Bank Stadium that might cost $600,000 with total operations expenses of $750,000.
Revenues could exceed $1 million. While the outdoor rink is in place, Maturi believes it may make sense to have a series of other games involving the Gopher women, Division III programs and prep teams.