Wichita State will pay coach Gregg Marshall a $25,000 Missouri Valley coach of the year bonus, exercising a stipulation in his contract, even though he didn’t actually win the award. He finished second to Illinois State’s Dan Muller.

Marshall, who received 18 first-place votes and 96 points from league’s coaches, media and sports information directors, finished with 6 fewer points than Muller, who had 25 first-place votes, according to The Wichita Eagle.



Wichita State athletic director Darron Boatright said the bonus will be paid via private funds, adding, ‘’I couldn’t imagine not taking this opportunity to also recognize the job Gregg has done this year.’’

Wichita State wants to make sure Marshall feels appreciated. Not only is he arguably the MVC’s most recognizable coach, guiding the Shockers to five NCAA Tournament appearances since 2011, but he’s also a hot name after every season when jobs open at bigger schools.

The Shockers, who are No. 21 in the AP Top 25, play their first game in the MVC tournament vs. No. 7 seed Bradley in their quest for another NCAA appearance.