Still on the hot seat? South Carolina extends Frank Martin's contract

It turns out, Frank Martin isn’t going anywhere.

Not only is Martin staying in South Carolina, but the school has agreed to extend the coach’s contract by two years. Perhaps more importantly, Martin’s buyout has not been reduced but will stay the same.

Martin is set to make $3.2 million next season, $3.3 in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Martin’s buyout is currently $6.5 million. However, following the 2022 season, Martin will not have a buyout written into his contract.

South Carolina went 6-15 overall this season and 4-12 in SEC play. During his time in Columbia, Martin has coached 287 games with an overall record of 153-134.

In nine seasons, South Carolina has made the NCAA Tournament once. However, the Gamecocks advanced all the way to the Final Four during that lone trip to the tourney.

So how does a coach with that track record get an extension with many in the fan base calling for his job?

It appears the extension is more for appearances and nothing else.

Frank Martin’s contract is basically the same as it was 2 weeks ago but the 2 yrs added to the end make it look like something was done. The reality is, Frank could be fired this year or next & it would be treated like the original contract stated. The extension is more for show. https://t.co/U3ODRcAJQA

— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) April 9, 2021

Bottom line with the Frank Martin contract: Board of Trustees didn’t want to spend money on his buyout, and without an extension, Martin would’ve looked for other gigs.

USC couldn’t take the chance to buy out Martin now then be stuck without their top choice as a replacement.

— Mike Gillespie (@MikeABCColumbia) April 9, 2021