Arkansas State officially announced the hiring of Mike Silva as head baseball coach on Tuesday afternoon. With any new hire comes new details, and RedWolfReport.com has obtained a copy of the contract details between Silva and Arkansas State.
Silva’s contract is for six years and begins on June 16, 2024. It will run through June 30, 2030 with a guaranteed base salary of $180,000. He will receive the same merit based or Cost of Living increases that are granted to other University employees. He will be reimbursed for reasonable moving expenses, and will receive temporary housing for a period not to exceed 60 days.
Additionally, Silva will receive the customary University benefits (health insurance, retirement plan, etc.) and will be entitled to a membership initiation fee and monthly membership fees to a country club located in Jonesboro.
He will be authorized to conduct baseball camps, receiving all revenue and paying all expenses.
His spouse and unmarried dependent children will be eligible for scholarship opportunities and tuition discounts authorized by Arkansas State System policy.
Silva will receive either a vehicle for use or a vehicle stipend in the amount of $600 per month, and he is authorized to hire, manage, discipline, and terminate assistant coaches with the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics and may recommend the hiring of other members of the baseball athletic staff.
Arkansas State University will provide a minimum of $200,000 per year for salary of assistant baseball coaches and support staff. This includes a minimum of two full time assistant coaches. The university will provide salary and benefits for a third full time assistant coach if funding for the additional coach is paid for by private funds. At the end of the year the Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics will conduct a comprehensive salary and budget review of the entire baseball program, including the salary for the Head Baseball Coach.
BUYOUT DETAILS
$180,000 in years one through two. He will also pay a reimbursement for moving expenses if he resigns in year one.
$90,000 in year three.
$60,000 in year four.
$0 in year five.
All buyouts are due within 60 days from the date of resignation.
Silva’s buyout will be reduced to the amount of $90,000 for years 1-2 and by $25,000 for years 3-4 if any of the following circumstances occur:
- The turf field and padded outfield for the baseball facility is not completed by the Spring 2025 baseball season, unless such delay is caused by circumstances beyond the University’s control.
- Significant improvements to the baseball stadium and baseball practice facility have not commenced by August 1, 2025.
- Jeff Purinton no longer serves as Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics during any point of the agreement.
- If Silva’s contract is terminated without cause by the University, the remaining amounts owed will be paid with a monthly balance until balance of the contract has been paid.
If Silva’s contract is terminated with cause the University will have no obligation to pay any buyout, and payments will cease immediately.
BONUS DETAILS
A $10,000 bonus will be paid if the baseball team wins a regular season conference championship.
A $10,000 bonus will be paid for winning the conference baseball tournament or for advancing to the NCAA tournament.
A $3,000 bonus will be paid for any season in which the baseball team wins 35 games or more.
A $1,5000 bonus will be paid per win in an NCAA Regional Tournament.
A $10,000 bonus will be paid for winning the NCAA Regional Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Super Regional Tournament.
A $15,000 bonus will be paid for winning the NCAA Regional Tournament and advancing to the College World Series.
A $50,000 bonus will be paid for winning the College World Series.
A $5,000 bonus will be paid for being name Conference Coach of the Year.
A $10,000 bonus will be paid for being named National Coach of the Year.
A $3,000 bonus will be paid for finishing the regular season with a Top 45 RPI.
A $7,5000 bonus will be paid for finishing in the Top 25 of a national poll at the end of the season.
A $7,5000 bonus will be paid for finishing in the Top 4 (including ties) in conference standings in the first three seasons of the agreement.
If there are significant or repetitive NCAA violations resulting in disciplinary action, whether imposed by the NCAA or self-imposed, any bonuses could be disqualified that year at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics.
All bonus amounts will be paid only if Silva is still employed by the University at the time the event occurs. Payments of bonuses will be paid within 30 days of the bonus being earned.
Silva’s contract will automatically extend by one year if the Arkansas State University baseball team finishes in the Top 2 (including ties) of the conference regular season standings. Silva can opt to reject the extension if the University is notified in writing within 60 days.
NICHOLLS STATE BUYOUT DETAILS
A $25,000 buyout will be paid to Nicholls State University by Arkansas State University.
Silva will be introduced in a press conference at 12:00 p.m. Thursday at Arkansas State University. The public is invited to attend.
