David Padgett still works for Louisville. What's up with that?

Justin Sayers | Courier Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Highlights from David Padgett's final press conference at Louisville Former University of Louisville interim coach David Padgett talks about players, fans and Rick Pitino.

If you've perused the Courier Journal's new database of salaries for Kentucky employees, you may have noticed a familiar name with an unfamiliar title toward the top of the list.

Former Louisville Cardinals interim men's basketball coach David Padgett and his $800,000 salary are listed next to his role as "special assistant to athletic director" Vince Tyra. That amount is tied for 13th among state employees.

So what's up with that?

When Padgett took over on an interim basis after the firing of Rick Pitino, he signed a one-year, $800,000 contract that runs until the end of September. The contract, obtained by the Courier Journal, states that the agreement can be terminated any time with cause but doesn't make any mention of firing without cause.

Related: Chris Mack, staff give Louisville fans 'reason for optimism' in recruiting

In March, the school announced that Padgett would not be brought back as head coach. Louisville hired Chris Mack as its head coach one week later.

Tyra admitted to the Courier Journal that he's not entirely sure what the stipulations of the contract are because it was proposed around the same time he was appointed to an interim position himself. But he said he thinks it was a way to guarantee Padgett one year of employment.

"My understanding of it was to take on this role at the time as interim head coach was to guarantee one full year," Tyra said Wednesday. "And if he didn't earn the spot as permanent head coach, he would continue to be paid out and we would just use him on an as-needed basis in some form or fashion."

He called Padgett a valuable asset for fundraising, community relations and advice due to his status as both an alumni of and public figure at the University of Louisville.

OUR DATABASE: Check out Kentucky public salary data in an easy-to-search format

But he admitted that the need for Padgett in the role was diminished because of the hiring of Mack as well as the lack of fundraising opportunities in the summer months. He said now that the school year is starting, somebody like Padgett could be useful.

"I know we got limited time left in the agreement," Tyra said. "If needed, this is the time the fundraising starts back up."

More: Isaiah Stewart on Chris Mack: 'He’s going to win, no matter what'

Padgett has expressed a desire to continue coaching. And Tyra doesn't think the agreement puts a damper on that.

"I've been in touch with his agent as some opportunities come about," Tyra said. "I think in time he'll get rehired and he'll have a successful career."

He also said the school would welcome Padgett back, but acknowledged that there are no longer any openings on the basketball staff.

"We certainly wouldn't be against if there was any interest in David ever applying for an opportunity to be a coach," Tyra said.

Justin Sayers: 502-582-4252; jsayers@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/justins.