No, Wisconsin is no longer paying Paul Chryst his original salary or under the terms of his previous coaching contract.
Details of Paul Chryst's Departure and Buyout
Paul Chryst's tenure as the head football coach for the Wisconsin Badgers concluded in October 2022, when the university made the decision to part ways with him. At the time of his departure, Chryst was still under contract through the 2026 season.
Instead of continuing to pay his full contract, Wisconsin and Chryst reached a financial settlement. Chryst reportedly accepted an $11 million buyout. This amount represented a significant reduction from the approximately $20 million that was still owed on his original contract. The acceptance of this buyout effectively settled the university's financial obligations to Chryst related to his coaching tenure, replacing any ongoing salary payments he would have received under his previous agreement.
This arrangement means that while the university was obligated to a substantial amount under his original contract, the agreed-upon buyout concluded their direct, ongoing payment relationship based on his former employment terms.
Key Financial Aspects of the Agreement
- Original Contract Duration: Through the 2026 season
- Amount Owed on Contract: Approximately $20 million
- Accepted Buyout Amount: $11 million
- Date of Departure: October 2022
The buyout process is a common practice in collegiate and professional sports when an organization terminates a coach's contract prematurely. It allows both parties to reach a new financial agreement to sever ties, rather than continuing the original terms of the long-term contract. For Wisconsin, the $11 million buyout finalized their financial commitment to Chryst following his departure.
