Eric Musselman secures $200k bonus with win over Kansas, trip to Sweet 16
On top of a trip to a Sweet 16 and a big time upset of No. 1 seed Kansas, Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman is getting paid as a result of the win. With the win over the Jayhawks and a trip to the second weekend locked in, Musselman secured another $200,000 in bonus money for this year, according to Steve Berkowitz of USA Today.
With that $200,000, Musselman is now up to $250,000 in bonuses for this season, according to Berkowitz. This is on top of the baked-in $100,000 annual raise and a contract extension that have him due at least $3 million.
He could earn up to $4.2 million on the deal if incentives are hit.
Not a bad day when you upset a No. 1 seed, celebrate shirtless, and cash in like Musselman did on Saturday.
As for the shirtless celebration, Musselman whipped off his red polo shirt as he stood on a table and celebrated with Arkansas fans after the momentous win.
He spun it above his head a few times before leading the fans in a classic chant of calling the hogs.
Another angle shows Musselman interacting with the fans after the chant, before being carried off my his players.
A heck of an evening for the Arkansas coach and his squad
Before his semi-dressed revelry, Musselman briefly spoke about the growth of this Arkansas team.
“That’s such an unbelievable win for our program,” he said. “I keep telling people that we’re getting better and not many teams can get better this time of year. I’ve never been prouder of a team like tonight.”
Along with Musselman, sideline reporter Allie LaForce spoke with Arkansas guard Davonte Davis, who got emotional during his interview.
“I put in a lot of work. It’s crazy. I dunno, it’s crazy. I’m feeling good and I’m glad we came out with a win,” Davis said in tears.
LaForce asked Davis why he was crying and his response was simple and to the point.
“[We] put in the work. This team’s been struggling and we figured it out. And I’m glad we did at the right time. And hopefully we continue to do it,” Davis said.
And after an emotional, at times seemingly improbable comeback to topple a No. 1 seed, Arkansas gets to keep working, growing and, for their hopes, winning. They’ll continue to try to keep marching through the tournament.