If University of Idaho Athletic Director Terry Gawlik chooses to move on from men’s basketball coach Zac Claus at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, paying the remainder of the third-year head coach’s contract should not be particularly cost prohibitive for the university.

Claus’ contract, which runs through April 30, 2023, pays a base salary of $130,000 with an additional $20,000 for media duties and public appearances. Though this totals at $150,000 per year (before incentives), Claus’ contract stipulates that–if his contract is terminated early by the university for convenience–the University of Idaho would owe Claus half of his contract’s remaining unpaid total ($75,000 per year.).

In practical terms, if Claus is not retained at the close of Idaho’s basketball season, he will be owed $6,250 (excluding cost of benefits, such as health insurance, Claus would still receive) per month for the duration of his contract. 

As is typical of head coaching contracts, if Claus is terminated, but finds employment elsewhere, payment from a potential future job would be subtracted from the amount due to Claus from the University of Idaho until April 30, 2023. 

In three years as head coach of Idaho’s men’s basketball team, Claus has a combined record of 14-66 against Division I teams (winning percentage: 17.5%), with a combined Big Sky record of 11-37 (winning percentage: 22.9%). For the 2021-22 season, Idaho is 7-21 vs. Division I teams, and 6-14 in Big Sky Conference play.

The Vandals play Sacramento State in the first round of the 2022 Big Sky Conference Men’s Basketball Championship on Wednesday, March 9, at 8:30am PT on ESPN+. A preview of Idaho’s conference tournament opener can be found at the 37 minute mark of the most recent episode of Tubs at the Club.

Links:

Zac Claus Contract

University of Idaho Athletic Contracts

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