SALT LAKE CITY – Shortly after he led the Runnin’ Utes to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, University of Utah Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak has signed on to extend his contract through the 2022-2023 season, and the deal comes with a pay raise.
According to a press release from the University of Utah, the contract extension deal is worth $2.4 million a year. Krystkowiak has been with Utah since 2011 and in 2014 he had signed a 5-year contract at $1.4 million a year with built-in bonuses.That deal would have expired in the 2018-2019 season, but Wednesday Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill announced the deal to extend the contract.
“Our men’s basketball program has made tremendous strides these past four seasons under Coach Krystkowiak,” Hill stated in the press release. “The success of a program starts with its head coach and he has provided outstanding leadership for our student-athletes. Larry is aware of his value to our program. It is clear that his success has been noted throughout the country and we are pleased to be able to solidify his commitment to our program.”
Utah was ranked No. 15 coming into the NCAA Tournament under Krystkowiak, and they made it to the Sweet 16 before falling to Duke and finishing 26-9 on the season. Utah beat Stephen F. Austin and Georgetown in the tournament prior to losing to Duke—who would go on to win it all. Utah also placed third in the Pac-12 with a 13-5 conference record that set up their second Pac-12 Tournament appearance in three years, according to the press release.
Krystkowiak began his career with Utah in 2011, coming from a job as the head coach at University of Montana, his alma mater. He said he is glad to be a part of the program at Utah.
“I want to thank Dr. Hill and President Pershing for their amazing support of the men’s basketball team,” Krystkowiak stated in the press release. “We always speak about the culture within our program and a big part of that is realizing who we are. I’m a big believer in those I work for, those I work with, and the student-athletes I get to coach. This is an amazing university with an incredible basketball program one which I feel very proud and humbled to be a part of.”
The press release states that attendance at Utah games has averaged more than 12,000 fans this season, which is the highest average attendance for the team since 2000-2001.
