LINCOLN — Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne used his usual low-key manner Tuesday to handle Doc Sadler's contract extension as head men's basketball coach.“Coach Osborne told me he wanted to offer me two more years," Sadler said.
His reply?
“I said, ‘Thanks,' †Sadler said.
And that's how the fifth-year coach moved the end date of his deal at Nebraska to June 30, 2016. The extension gives Sadler ample time to work in the $18 million practice facility set to open in October, and the new city arena scheduled to open for the 2013-14 season.
Said Osborne: “We feel with the facilities improvements we are making in basketball and the players Doc has returning that the future looks bright."
Changes in the financial terms of Sadler's new deal are being drafted. Marc Boehm, NU's executive associate A.D. and overseer of basketball, said deciding the details likely will take two weeks.
“I always said I wanted to be part of something special that hasn't been done here," Sadler said in reference to NU never having won an NCAA tournament game (0-6).
“To have the support of the athletic director and the department means a lot. I truly think we are really, really close to making this happen."
Sadler was hired from UTEP in August 2006 for six years at a salary of $700,000. In April 2008, the deal was extended two years through 2014 and the pay was raised to $800,000.
With annual raises, Sadler's current pay is about $850,000.
In the past week, Sadler has been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill openings at Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Unknown to many, Sadler was approached about a BCS conference opening last season, even though the Huskers went 2-14 in Big 12 play.
With the respect Sadler has in college basketball, Boehm said, future phone calls for his services in connection to other jobs are likely.
“But Doc has said he's committed to us, and we wanted to show we are committed, too," Boehm said. “We feel we're on the verge."
Nebraska (19-12) plays at Wichita State on Wednesday night in the NIT. It is NU's third NIT bid in Sadler's five seasons.
Overall, Sadler is 89-70 (.559). In Big 12 play, he was 30-50 (.375) with finishes of T-7th, T-7th, 8th, 12th and T-7th. In two of the past three seasons, the Huskers have been in the NCAA tourney conversation into late February or early March.
“We've taken steps," Boehm said. “It's taken a little longer than we all want. But with Doc doing everything the right way and the integrity of the program, he's our guy for the long haul."
