University of Cincinnati Extends Contract of Athletic Director John Cunningham
CINCINNATI — The University of Cincinnati has quietly agreed to a contract extension with athletic director John Cunningham. The extension, which runs through June 30, 2028, was approved by the Board of Trustees in April 2023. This agreement extends Cunningham’s original deal with the Bearcats, which was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024.
Terms of the Extension
The contract extension includes several key provisions:
- Cunningham’s salary will increase from $475,000 to $650,000 starting July 1, 2023. His salary will then increase by $25,000 annually, reaching $750,000 for the 2027-28 academic year.
- Beginning June 1, 2024, Cunningham will receive an annual retention bonus starting at $200,000 and increasing to $450,000 by June 1, 2028.
- He will also be eligible for an annual performance bonus, with a maximum amount of $75,000 for the university’s fiscal year 2023 and $275,000 for the university’s fiscal year 2028.
- Cunningham’s buyout, whether owed to the university if he chooses to leave or owed by the university if he is terminated, is set at $4.95 million on or before June 30, 2024. The buyout drops to $900,000 on or before June 30, 2028.
| Termination (by Cunningham or UC) | Buyout (to Cunningham or UC) |
|---|---|
|
On or before June 30, 2024 |
$4,950,000 |
|
On or before June 30, 2025 |
$4,100,000 |
|
On or before June 30, 2026 |
$3,200,000 |
|
On or before June 30, 2027 |
$1,668,750 |
|
On or before June 30, 2028 |
John Cunningham’s Impact at Cincinnati
John Cunningham’s tenure as athletic director at the University of Cincinnati has been eventful. He took over the position from former AD Mike Bohn just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing significant disruptions in the sports industry. Despite the challenges, Cunningham successfully navigated the pandemic without major long-term disruptions to the department.
In April 2021, Cunningham made the decision to fire men’s basketball coach John Brannen for cause after an internal investigation into the program. This led to a settlement of $2.75 million between Brannen and the university. Cunningham then hired Wes Miller as the new head coach, who is now entering his third season with the team.
Under Cunningham’s leadership, Cincinnati football achieved back-to-back American Athletic Conference championships and made appearances in New Year’s Six bowl games in 2020 and 2021. The program also made history by reaching the four-team College Football Playoff in 2021 under coach Luke Fickell. Additionally, Cunningham played a key role in guiding the Bearcats into the Big 12 Conference, where they will officially begin competing this season. He also oversaw the approval and groundbreaking of a new $134-million indoor practice facility and performance center.
Cunningham’s tenure has also seen significant coaching changes across various sports at Cincinnati. With Fickell’s departure to Wisconsin, Scott Satterfield was hired as the new head coach for the football team in December. Cunningham also made new head-coaching hires in baseball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and women’s golf ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Conclusion
The University of Cincinnati has extended athletic director John Cunningham’s contract through June 30, 2028. The extension includes salary increases, retention bonuses, and performance bonuses for Cunningham. His buyout amount has also been specified in the contract. Cunningham’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of Cincinnati’s athletic programs, including the football team’s achievements and the university’s transition into the Big 12 Conference. With the contract extension, Cunningham will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Cincinnati athletics.