The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball program finds itself at a crossroads following yet another tough loss, this time to LSU. With the pressure mounting, head coach Porter Moser is facing scrutiny, and discussions are heating up around his future with the team.
The financial implications of potentially parting ways with Moser are significant. According to detailed contract analysis, if the Sooners choose to fire Moser without cause, they would be on the hook for 75% of his remaining salary. Let’s break down what that entails.
Moser’s current contract includes a base salary of $300,000, along with an annual stay benefit of $200,000. Additionally, there’s an escalating component that increases by $100,000 each year, currently pegged at $2.8 million for the 2026 season. With three years left on this deal, the total remaining salary amounts to approximately $10.2 million. If Oklahoma opts to move in a different direction, they would ultimately have to pay around $7.65 million, paid out pro-rata on a monthly basis until June 30, 2028.
Breaking it down year by year shows the steep cost:
- 2026: Base ($300k) + Stay Benefit ($200k) + Additional Salary ($2.8M) = $3.3M
- 2027: Base ($300k) + Stay Benefit ($200k) + Additional Salary ($2.9M) = $3.4M
- 2028: Base ($300k) + Stay Benefit ($200k) + Additional Salary ($3M) = $3.5M
The calculated total of $10.2 million, when multiplied by 75%, results in that aforementioned $7.65 million figure. This payment structure means Oklahoma won’t have to settle with Moser in a single lump sum, potentially easing the financial sting somewhat. Moreover, if he secures another full-time job within this time frame, the Sooners would no longer be responsible for making those payments.
Interestingly, Moser’s situation has changed since he was last extended in the summer of 2022, which pushed his contract end date from 2026 to 2028. It’s worth noting that last year, he received only a $100,000 raise, which had been predetermined in his contract. This year, the buyout actually decreased from $10.2 million—solidifying the nature of his current deal amidst the ongoing struggles on the court.
As the season winds down with just six games left, the urgency for Moser to shift the team’s fortunes is palpable. The threat of the Sooners missing the NCAA Tournament looms large; if that were to occur, it would mark the first time since 1978 that the program has failed to qualify for the tournament in four consecutive seasons. All eyes will be on how Oklahoma navigates these final weeks, as both the season and Moser’s future hang in the balance.
