Clemson athletics gave fans plenty to cheer about in the past year, especially on the basketball court and the baseball diamond.
The Tigers’ men’s basketball team made a thrilling run through the NCAA Tournament and reached the Elite Eight for only the second time in school history, and the first time since 1980. Clemson finished No. 15 in the final USA TODAY Sports coaches poll.
In June, Clemson baseball reached its first Super Regional since 2010 after a 44-win season. The Tigers finished No. 9 in the final coaches poll.
The coaches who led those two programs were awarded with raises and contract extensions by the Clemson Board of Trustee Compensation Committee Thursday.
Brownell received a five-year contract extension through 2029. His salary will reach $4.5 million by 2028-29. Brownell will make $3.5 million this coming season, his 15th as Clemson head coach.
“I’m honored and grateful to continue to lead the Clemson Basketball program. I want to thank Graham Neff, President Jim Clements and our entire administration for their continued belief and confidence in me and my staff. I am extremely proud of our recent success, both on and off the court, and there is not a better time than now to be a part of the Clemson family,” Brownell said in a statement Thursday.
2024 Elite Eight ✅
Winningest Coach in Clemson History ✅Our guy is here through 2029! pic.twitter.com/mYoVSZt8hI
— Clemson Basketball (@ClemsonMBB) July 18, 2024
For his part, Bakich agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2030 season after leading the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament on-site Regional win in 14 years. Bakich’s new deal calls for a pay increase of $325,000 (to $1.275 million) in 2025. His pay is scheduled to increase to $1.525 million by 2030.
Bakich assistants Nick Schnabel and Jimmy Belanger also received contract extensions from the Board of Trustees.
“It is a privilege to serve this incredible university and athletic department,” Bakich said as part of a statement Thursday. “We are beyond grateful for the leadership and continued support from the Board of Trustees, President Jim Clements and Director of Athletics Graham Neff.”
"LET'S GO!!!"@ClemsonUniv & Head Coach Erik Bakich have agreed to a contract extension through the 2️⃣0️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ season❗️ 👏 🐅https://t.co/bUsEIgMWNx pic.twitter.com/bX0IlYYpRU
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) July 18, 2024
Two other Clemson head coaches also received contract extensions and pay raises Thursday. Men’s soccer coach Mike Noonan received a two-year extension and a $160,000 increase in salary for the upcoming season (from $440,000 to $600,000) after leading the Tigers to their second national championship in three years. Noonan’s deal runs through 2029.
Women’s soccer coach Eddie Radwanski received a three-year extension through 2028. His salary will increase from $205,000 last year to $230,000 in 2024 with subsequent raises each following year, capping at $250,000 by 2028.