Men’s basketball coach Gib Arnold is reportedly seeking a multiyear extension of his contract in negotiations with the University of Hawaii, according to people who have been briefed on the talks.
Arnold, who is 52-44 (24-24 conference record) in three seasons with the Rainbow Warriors, entered the final year of his current three-year deal July 1.
Under the terms of Arnold’s $344,000 annual contract, "for a period of 60 days starting July 1, 2013, (the) athletics director and coach shall engage in good faith negotiations for a new agreement."
The contract does not require that they reach a new agreement on a deal that would otherwise expire June 30, 2014. Jay met with Arnold’s attorney, Russell Kaupu, Friday. They are scheduled to meet again in two weeks.
Jay declined to discuss the talks, except to say, "We’re meeting and have a ways to go."
Arnold could have earned one-year extensions of his contract by hitting various victory or postseason milestones in 2011-12 and 2012-13, but the ‘Bows did not reach 18-20 victories or qualify for the NIT or NCAA tournaments. UH was 16-16 and 17-15 in those seasons.
Arnold’s contract specifies that $50,000 is to be paid by "university-solicited" donations. A UH spokesman said in an email, "$50,000 was reimbursed to (the athletic department) by the UH Foundation" for 2012.
Athletic officials said Jay is seeking to standardize bonus provisions for UH coaches and align them along team athletic and academic performance goals. One of the provisions said to be under review grants some coaches with $500-$1,000 "bonuses" for up to six postgame autograph sessions per year.
Jay declined to address specific bonus language, but said, "Let’s just say I’m not a big fan of some of the (bonus provisions) currently in there."
In addition to Arnold, women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, men’s volleyball coach Charlie Wade and baseball coach Mike Trapasso are having their contracts reviewed.
