Thanks to his recent run of success, Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall has been a popular figure on the coaching carousel. One program that reportedly had interest in Marshall this spring was Alabama, which fired Anthony Grant after six seasons last month.
Wednesday night it was reported that Wichita State has done enough to ensure that Marshall remains the leader of their program, negotiating a new contract and raise for Marshall. The new deal was first reported by Jason King of Bleacher Report, and according to Matt Norlander of CBSSports.com Marshall’s new contract will pay him $3 million the first year with the seven-year average working out to $3.3 million annually.
According to a report earlier Wednesday by Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports, Alabama was prepared to offer Marshall nearly $4 million to make the move to Tuscaloosa. However Wichita State has been able to do enough to ensure that their coach doesn’t move on this offseason. Alabama athletic director Bill Battle issued a statement on Marshall’s decision shortly after the coach’s decision was reported.
Alabama releases a statement on missing out on a coach. May be a first: pic.twitter.com/B1tcB8VgIf
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) April 2, 2015
With guards Ron Baker and Fred Van Vleet both having another season of eligibility, and the Shockers will return other contributors as well, Wichita State has the ability to build on this season’s Sweet 16 appearance.