BLOOMINGTON — Ryan Carr, Indiana’s recently hired executive director of basketball, will begin in his role on a four-year contract that could extend far beyond that initial term.
According to the memorandum of understanding signed between Carr and Indiana University in February, the former Pacers executive will earn $450,000 annually in base salary, across the life of a contract running through April 2030. Per that MOU, Carr will receive an automatic one-year extension to his deal on April 30 of each year, beginning in 2029, unless he receives notice of non-renewal, meaning the contract could run in perpetuity.
IndyStar obtained the memorandum via an open records request. There is no buyout language contained within the deal.
IU commits various bonuses to Ryan Carr
His deal will also hand Carr a retention bonus each season, beginning with a $50,000 payment provided Carr is still employed on April 30, 2027.
That bonus will increase by $15,000 each year Carr remains employed on that date, with the increase built into those automatic one-year extensions as well. So, Carr will receive a $65,000 retention bonus in 2028, an $80,000 bonus in 2029 and so on.
Carr also received a one-time $50,000 signing bonus. His contract promises further bonuses for achievements including a Big Ten regular-season championship, any NCAA tournament appearance, advancement in that tournament and a handful of form benefits, like an annual adidas allowance and a courtesy car provided by the university.
Ryan Carr’s salary comparable to peers
His compensation package pays Carr, a former student manager under Bob Knight, better than the average assistant coach, though it still falls short of the largest known numbers for general manager-type roles in college basketball.
Still a relatively undefined field, the idea of a GM has become increasingly popular in the sport since the onset of revenue sharing (and the concurrent arrival of the rev-share cap). That’s led some programs to commit significant resources to the role.
North Carolina’s Jim Tanner reportedly made $950,000 per year, while Andrew Slater was hired last year at NC State on a $400,000 salary, similar to the one IU handed Carr.
Specific numbers in the Big Ten also vary by school. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, Marc VandeWettering earns $257,500 in his role with the Badgers, while University of Michigan salary information shows Wolverines assistant coach and general manager Kyle Church earned $247,500 in the current fiscal year.
Contract structure proves IU’s commitment to general manager role
Carr’s deal, therefore, likely ranks him among the highest-paid employees in the conference in his position.
Perhaps more importantly, it provides him meaningful security in that role. Not just the cost but also the length and structure of Carr’s contract suggest Indiana is committed to both its alumnus and the concept behind the role he now fills.
With Darian DeVries and Scott Dolson eager to revive the Hoosiers’ struggling basketball program, Carr appears set to be a key figure in that effort for years to come.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball committed to general manager-type role, contract reveals
Reporting by Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
