University of Kentucky football coach Hal Mumme has agreed to a new five-year contract, UK Director of Athletics C. M. Newton announced at Wednesday’s meeting of the Athletics Association Board of Directors.
“I recommended, and President (Dr. Charles) Wethington approved, a new contract for Coach Mumme with an appropriate increase in compensation,” Newton said. “We are pleased that Coach Mumme has accepted the contract and will continue to build the University of Kentucky football program.”
The new agreement goes into effect on Dec. 1, 1997, and calls for a base salary of $150,000 per year, with broadcasting and endorsement income of $300,000 per year, for a total annual package of $450,000. Mumme’s initial contract at UK was a four-year deal with $150,000 base salary and $160,000 annually in broadcasting and endorsement income, a total of $310,000 per year.
“It’s apparent that Coach Mumme possesses the coaching ability – style of play, teaching, and organizational ability – to win in the Southeastern Conference,” Newton said. “In addition, he’s put together an outstanding staff that is as committed to our program as he is. He has demonstrated the recruiting acumen that will attract the top players, both in-state and out-of-state.
“Hal also has demonstrated a strong commitment to the concept of the student-athlete and a strong commitment to the compliance and discipline that are essential in a football program.
“We are making this announcement at this time so that everyone – alumni, students, fans, prospective student-athletes, and other Division I institutions that have an interest in hiring him – realizes our commitment to keep Hal Mumme at the University of Kentucky as well as his commitment to continue to build our program,” Newton said.
In their first season under Coach Mumme, the Wildcats have posted a 5-5 record going into Saturday’s regular-season finale against Tennessee. Accomplishments from this season include:
the most wins in a season since 1993;
reclaiming the Governor’s Cup with a win over Louisville;
retaining the Bourbon Barrel with a win at Indiana;
defeating Alabama for the first time in 75 years;
sweeping the non-conference schedule for the first time since 1989;
defeating Vanderbilt in Nashville for the first time since 1989.
In addition, Mumme’s offensive system has rewritten the record books. UK has broken or tied 42 school records and nine SEC records this season, and more standards could fall in Saturday’s game.
“It is a great honor to coach at the University of Kentucky and live in this commonwealth,” Mumme said. “I can think of no better place to coach football and I appreciate C. M., Dr. Wethington, and the university for offering this new contract.”
