New USF men’s basketball coach Bryan Hodgson has signed a six-year, $8.25 million deal that includes a staff salary pool well in excess of $1 million and a $900,000 buyout to previous employer Arkansas State.
The compensation is slightly more than the original deal of predecessor Amir Abdur-Rahim, who signed a six-year, $7.35 million deal two years ago. Abdur-Rahim got a new six-year, $11.55 million deal last April after leading the Bulls to the program’s first regular season conference title and a school-record 25 victories in his lone season. He died less than six months later.
Hodgson, who helped orchestrate Alabama’s staggering rise to national prominence under coach Nate Oats, led Arkansas State to consecutive 20-win seasons and the program’s first postseason berth in 25 years during his two years in Jonesboro.
Including his annual $500,000 base salary and additional compensation and benefits (media appearances, fundraising, promotional activities, etc.), Hodgson — who turns 38 Friday — will make $1.25 million this upcoming season. The salary rises gradually each year until it tops out at $1.5 million in the 2030-31 season.
The contract, released Monday upon a public-records request from the Tampa Bay Times, indicates USF must pay $900,000 to the Red Wolves Foundation, the private financial-support arm of Arkansas State athletics. Hodgson’s staff salary pool begins at $1.25 million and tops out at $1.5 million in the final year.
Should Hodgson leave USF for another job, his buyout starts at $2 million (through April 15, 2027), with the buyout gradually decreasing over time. But in the event Michael Kelly is no longer USF’s athletic director, Hodgson’s buyout costs shall be reduced by 50% effective on or after April 16, 2027, according to the contract.
For example, if Kelly were to resign in April 2026 and Hodgson resigns on or after April 16 the following year, his buyout would decrease from $1.5 million (the stipulated buyout amount from April 16, 2027 through April 15, 2029) to $750,000.
The deal also includes a “good-faith scenario” calling for Hodgson and the school to renegotiate the deal should USF join a Power Four conference during the length of the contract.
“(USF) agrees that the applicable increase in compensation shall not be less than $1 million for each remaining year on the then-current agreement,” the contract says.
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls
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