CINCINNATI — Within 48 hours of being named head coach at UC, John Brannen met his new team, held a news conference, did several one-on-ones with the media and even conducted his first practice.
Brannen made it clear he is totally committed to his new job and the reported six-year, $9 million contract that goes with it.
Behind the scenes as @coachbrannen & the #Bearcats hit the court yesterday. pic.twitter.com/k23Ph63Rv3
— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) April 17, 2019
The Athletic reported terms of Brannen’s contract, revealing it more than quadruples the $350,000 Brannen made at Northern Kentucky University last season.
But the grateful Northern Kentucky native made sure Wednesday to thank everyone at his old job across the river.
Brannen tweeted this message to players, staff and fans at NKU, where he put the Norse on the college basketball map in his first head coaching job:
"Norse Nation -
"Let me start by saying THANK YOU!
"To current and former players, please know I love you all and thank you and making EVERY day as your coach some of the greatest days of my life. WE accomplished so much but it will be the moments of the PROCESS we shared together that will live on most vividly in my memory.
"To the NKU administration, including Ken Bothof, his staff and President Vaidya, I want to say thank you for giving me my first opportunity to be a Head Coach. Your belief in me will never be forgotten.
"And to the great fans of NKU … you made Lisa, Jaylee, Katelyn and myself ALWAYS feel welcomed and supported. Your passion for NKU athletics BLEW ME AWAY. Carry that on as you continue to hang banners in BB&T Arena.
"I hope you will always remember our teams as tough, competitive, fun to watch and as WINNERS.
"I will always be a NORSE!
"Again, THANK YOU!"
According to The Athletic, Brannen will get $1.5 million every year starting on April 1 through the 2024-25 season. His contract is 75% guaranteed, meaning that if Brannen is fired he will be paid 75% of the balance.
His predecessor. Mick Cronin, made $2.2 million at UC last season, according to USA Today.
Brannen will also earn a $50,000 bonus for each NCAA Tournament appearance, increasing to $150,000 for each Sweet 16, The Athletic reported.
