OU, Capel Agree to Extension

March 27, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma Vice President for Sports Programs and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione announced today that OU is extending the contract of head men's basketball coach Jeff Capel through 2014, pending approval of the OU Board of Regents. The new contract calls for a guaranteed compensation of $1,050,000 per year plus incentives. In addition, the contract includes a stay bonus of $100,000 per year payable at the conclusion of six years.

After posting a record of 16-15 in his first season, Capel led Oklahoma to a 23-12 mark in 2007-08, finishing fourth in the Big 12 Conference and earning a first-round bye in the league tournament. OU later advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The coach said he is eager to move forward with the Sooner program.

"I want to thank the University of Oklahoma, especially President Boren and Joe Castiglione, for the continued belief in me and in our basketball program. Our program made tremendous progress this season and the new contract will allow us to build on our momentum.

"This is also a direct reflection on our players, assistant coaches and support staff. I'm thankful to everyone associated with our program and look forward to continuing my steadfast commitment to the University by helping our program get better each day."

Castiglione said no state-appropriated funds will be used for Capel's compensation which will be funded by revenue produced by the Athletics Department. OU is one of the few universities in the country which does not subsidize its Athletics Department with appropriated university funds. In fact, it is one of the few departments in the nation that provides some Athletics Department revenues to pay for academic programs.

"Jeff Capel has done an outstanding job of rebuilding OU's basketball program with even greater potential for success in the future," said OU President David L. Boren. "He is an outstanding teacher and mentor of our student-athletes."

Castiglione said, "We greatly appreciate the positive momentum which continues to build under the leadership of Jeff Capel," Castiglione said. "His work ethic, character, passion for excellence and his ability to inspire is truly generating enthusiasm for Oklahoma basketball."

Prior to accepting the OU position on April 11, 2006, Capel achieved a 79-41 mark in four seasons as the head coach at Virginia Commonwealth. Capel played college basketball at Duke and earned his bachelor's degree there in 1997.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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