The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa extends athletic director Gary Barta’s contract 5 years

File+photo
File photo
p1-Barta
Athletic Director Gary Barta

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A big year from Iowa’s football and basketball teams means a big raise for athletic director Gary Barta.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press show that Iowa President Bruce Harreld and Barta reached a five-year contract extension last month. It guarantees Barta $4.6 million in compensation through June 30, 2021.

The deal increases Barta’s base salary from $400,000 to $550,000 in July and guarantees $250,000 in annual deferred compensation. Both amounts increase by $50,000 in 2018.

Despite fan unrest last year, Barta stuck by football coach Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz led the Hawkeyes to 12 wins and a Rose Bowl appearance.

Barta’s biggest hire, basketball coach Fran McCaffery, has turned a once-moribund program into the nation’s fourth-ranked team.

Barta’s department is also facing a federal investigation into sex discrimination allegations.

More to Discover