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First tournament appearance in 20 years lands Stan Heath an extension

University of South Florida Bulls coach Stan Heath gives instructions to his team as they play the Ohio Bobcats during their NCAA third round basketball game in Nashville

University of South Florida Bulls coach Stan Heath gives instructions to his team as they play the Ohio Bobcats during their men’s NCAA third round basketball game in Nashville, Tennessee, March 18, 2012. REUTERS/Harrison McClary (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

REUTERS

As first reported by Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, USF has given head coach Stan Heath a six-year contract extension.

Heath, who led the Bulls to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 20 years, also received a raise to $1.13 million per season on a deal that will expire at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

The extension includes a stiffer buyout clause for Heath, who would owe the school $1 million were he to leave for another job in the next two years.

The buyout drops to $500,000 for the third and fourth years of the new deal.

Such are the rewards when your team reaches a level of success that hadn’t been seen in the program during its time in the Big East.

USF has to account for heavy front court personnel losses heading into 2012-13, with the likes of Ron Anderson, Jr., Augustus Gilchrist and Hugh Robertson all running out of eligibility.

But sophomore point guard Anthony Collins, who was a critical factor in the Bulls’ late-season play, has the potential to be one of the best point guards in the Big East.

Add in key returnees in Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, Jawanza Poland and Victor Rudd along with improved fortunes on the recruiting trail and there’s a chance that USF could earn another NCAA bid.

Heath and his program took a sizable step in the right direction last season, and that was with the Sun Dome being renovated, and he was rewarded.

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