The Houston Cougars had a similar experience to the one they treated the Duke Blue Devils to over the weekend, and head coach Kelvin Sampson is paying for it… with real money.
Houston endured a tough loss to the Florida Gators in the National Title game on Monday night, failing to capture what would have been their first-ever Natty in a close 65-35 affair. It wasn’t for the want of opportunity, as there were plenty of those even after they surrendered their lead.
The Cougars controlled most of the contest but were unable to withstand an inspired second-half run from their opponents. They made little of two key possessions in the dying embers, turning the ball over on both.
They will have to wait another year for their next chance to win that ever-elusive National Title, but the loss was extra costly for Sampson, who’s reported to have relinquished a hefty $500,000 check as a result.
Kelvin Sampson Missed Out On What Would Have Been A Postseason Million
The HC’s contract was heavily discussed ahead of Monday’s game. Sampson’s deal is said to have a clause stating he can appoint his son as his replacement when he elects to retire.
Had the Cougars won last night, he would have likely walked away, but it doesn’t appear that’s going to happen. As a result, money has become the talking point.
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According to Front Office Sports, the 69-year-old earned himself $500,000 in bonus cash as a result of his team’s success in the postseason. However, he lost out on an extra $500,000 by falling to the Gators.
Even so, he Sampson more bonus money than Florida coach Todd Golden, who earned an additional $400,000 during the NCAA Tournament. But losing out on both a championship and an extra half a million has to sting.
