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Kentucky coaching staff gets rewarded with new contracts

San Francisco Giants v Cincinnati Reds

CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 24: University of Kentucky basketball coaches (from right) John Calipari, Orlando Antigua and Kenny Payne display the NCAA championship trophy before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park on April 24, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

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On the day that John Calipari and the national champion Kentucky Wildcats visit President Barack Obama, the University of Kentucky announced that he and his staff all received pay raises.

Calipari, just one season after signing a new deal, received an 8.3 percent annual increase in “guaranteed compensation from media rights and endorsements” over the final seven seasons of his contract.

A $1 million retention bonus to be paid on July 31, 2015 should Calipari still be the head coach was also added to the contract.

His three assistants also capitalized on the national title with Kenny Payne signing a three-year deal worth $1.05 million plus incentives, John Robic signing for $575,000 plus incentives over two years and Orlando Antigua a two-year deal worth $525,000 plus incentives.

“It’s rare, in this day in age, to be able to keep a staff together that has helped produce a national championship and back-to-back Final Four runs,” said UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart in the release.

“We want to show them how appreciative we are of their hard work and dedication, and how much they mean to this program.”

In three seasons Kentucky has won nearly 88% of their games (102-14), which includes a 51-0 record at Rupp Arena.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.