The board of trustees approved new head men's basketball coach Lamont Paris's contract on Thursday. The approval comes after reports circulated about his hiring late Monday night.
Paris' five-year deal will pay him $2.2 million in his first year.
His annual salary will increase each year by $100,000 each year — ending with a total salary of $2.6 million in the final year of his contract in 2027.
Paris has the chance to earn up to $1.3 million in performance bonuses if the Gamecocks can accomplish various goals like winning the SEC Championship or the NCAA National Championship.
If Paris is terminated without cause, he would receive 65% of his total remaining guaranteed compensation.
The contract was not approved unanimously, as board member Charles Williams voted no because of the buyout.
"I think that buyouts in this proposed contract are excessive and that is not wise to the university to enter into an agreement with these type buyouts," Williams said.
Paris' introductory press conference will be held Thursday at 5 p.m. on the floor of Colonial Life Arena.