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
Good. Like martin. Think he is better than his record shows but he will have to start showing it at some point, like this season or he is likely gone. Sometimes its just better to move on and start fresh. that may be best for both parties.
Next season expect an empty arena. Our BOT are complete and utter morons full of columbia and clemson swamp rats.
S. Carolina needs a new AD. While I respect Martin as a no-nonsense coach who doesn’t lie to kids or kiss their butts to get them to Columbia, his body of work at SC doesn’t justify an extension at all.
Ray Tanner should have been shown the door with the Will Muschamp firing…new blood is needed in the Athletic Department for the Cocks.
We could have John Calipari…basketball players don’t go to SC it’s that simple. We are a Woman’s basketball school and maybe a baseball school. Move on people.
Sounds like Ray “Big Buyout” Tanner is setting the table to fire him in a couple years. Why not now ? It’s only $6.5 Million for the buyout. You paid ole Will what $15 Million. Former coaches should not ever be Athletic Directors, as they do not like to fire coaches.