No, Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller doesn't get more money if fired with cause

Less than 24 hours after Arizona Wildcats head basketball coach Sean Miller found himself in the hot seat, the media speculation began about whether he would be fired — and what his payout would be.

Miller earns $2.6 million a year and has a contract that runs through May 31, 2022.

Media reports suggested that because of vague contract language, Miller would be entitled to double the money if he were fired "with cause" rather than "without cause." This would make no sense and be highly unusual for a college coaching contract, to say the least.

Rather than speculate, we put the question directly to University of Arizona officials: If Miller were fired for cause, would he be entitled to his salary through the end of his contract?

They said, "No." Here, we break down why.

MORE: No evidence to suggest Deandre Ayton, family received money, attorney says

What media outlets have reported

A tweet from ESPN sports-business reporter Darren Rovell suggested that Miller's contract, as written, would provide for double the payout if he were fired with cause vs. without cause.

Forbes then published a story suggesting a contract-drafting error "could cost Arizona millions" if Miller were fired with cause. Similar stories in other publications soon followed.

The posts and stories focused on a couple of paragraphs in Miller's contract that appear to give him his entire base salary through the end of his contract if he is fired with cause.

Since Miller is entitled to only 50 percent of his remaining salary if fired without cause, some reporters concluded he'd receive a bigger payout if fired for a specific reason.

MORE: Wildcats star Deandre Ayton's family 'utraged' by reports of illegal actions

What the contract actually says

Miller's contract says that if he is terminated with cause, "the University's sole obligation to Coach shall be the payment of his Base Salary as provided in Section III (and where applicable, any accrued Additional Compensation earned under Section IV prior to the date of such termination)."

As Forbes pointed out, the contract doesn't say Miller's payout would be limited to money he has already received or a pro-rated portion of his base salary. Forbes said there is "clearly missing language" in the agreement.

USA TODAY suggested that the complexities of Miller's contract could set up a potential legal fight if Arizona fires Miller for cause.

What the University of Arizona says

University officials said they recognize there might be some ambiguity in the contract language.

But they said the intent of the parties is clear, and intent has consistently been upheld in Arizona courts.

"Base Salary and any Additional Compensation are payable only to the date of termination," the university said in a statement issued to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.

In other words: No, Miller wouldn't get more money if fired with cause.

How universities can fire a coach

Universities don't have to give a reason for firing a coach without cause. But schools that use this provision often end up giving the coach a payout to walk away.

Both Arizona and Arizona State University recently fired their football coaches without cause. Arizona's Rich Rodriguez is receiving $6.28 million, while ASU's Todd Graham will get $12 million.

If a coach is fired with cause, the university has to cite a specific reason outlined in the contract.

Miller could be fired for demonstrated dishonesty, substantial neglect of assigned duties or a felony conviction. He also could be terminated for material or repeated policy violations or substantial violations of NCAA regulations.

Questions about Miller's contract come in the wake of an ESPN report published Friday that said the FBI intercepted telephone conversations where Miller talked about paying $100,000 to ensure that star player Deandre Ayton signed with the Wildcats.

Miller maintained his innocence in a statement issued Saturday, saying, "I will be vindicated."

He and the university both agreed it would be in the best interest for him to not coach Saturday night's game against Oregon.

What Miller's payout could look like

If the university fires Miller, his exact payout amount would depend on a variety of factors, including his termination date and the reason for the firing.

Though universities typically don't provide payout estimates before terminating someone, Miller's contract provides some clues.

The Arizona Board of Regents in February 2017 approved a contract extension and salary increase for Miller that will eventually pay him a total of $2.9 million a year.

Under his contract, Miller:

Earns a base salary of $1.5 million that will increase by $100,000 annually from July 2018 through July 2020.

Earns another $700,000 a year in related compensation for radio, television and speaking engagements. He also has endorsement deals worth $400,000 a year with Nike and IMG, a sports, entertainment and media company.

Is eligible for a retention bonus through a longevity fund set up in 2014 through a private, anonymous donor that is part of a stock fund. As of Friday, his vested portion was worth about $4.4 million, payable in May 2020. His contract doesn't specify what would happen to this bonus if he were fired with cause, but it's assumed he would be entitled to the vested portion of the money.

Is also eligible for bonuses, if the team performs well during the season and in the classroom.

Reach the reporter at 602-444-8072 or anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com.

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