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USF's Eriksen earns raise, extension through 2020

 
Published June 8, 2013

USF softball coach Ken Eriksen, whose teams reached the College World Series in 2012 and won a Big East title in 2013, has signed a new contract for the second time in a year, this one keeping him with the Bulls through the 2020 season.

Eriksen's base salary is increased to $130,000 a year, which is up 37 percent from the $95,000 base he earned as part of a contract signed in August. That deal ran through 2017, and the new deal covers seven seasons, through 2020.

"(Eriksen) has developed our softball program into one of the nation's elite, through consistent, sustained success on the field, while emphasizing the importance of strong academics and service to the community," athletic director Doug Woolard said in a statement. "He's a strong leader who has done things the right way, and we're extremely happy he will continue to lead our program."

As was the case in his last contract, any incentive bonuses Eriksen earns are also rolled into his base salary in following years -- he earned $5,000 incentives for winning the Big East tournament title and making the NCAA regionals, so his salary would have been $105,000 from the 2013-14 year forward. He can earn $15,000 for a return trip to the College World Series or $25,000 for a national title, and must maintain proper APR scores for any bonuses to be awarded.

Eriksen is a USF graduate who has been the Bulls' head coach since 1997, but the school has protected itself against the possibility of him leaving to coach elsewhere. It would cost him $130,000 to end his contract in the next year, with the buyout gradually lowering to $50,000 in 2018-19.

"(USF) has been my home for over 30 years, and I'm excited that will continue," Eriksen said in a statement. "The Tampa Bay area has been so good to my faily and I during that time, and the support that softball receives in this area is just fantastic. Here at USF, we have been able to establish a level of success, and the program is continuing to thrive."