GAINESVILLE — Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin’s recent 3-year extension will provide a $250,000 raise and the option to remain employed with the Gators for another five years once he leaves his current post.
The school’s longtime AD will now earn $2.075 million annually through Oct. 31, 2030, according to his new contract obtained by the Orlando Sentinel through a public records request.
Stricklin stands to make even more, along with obtaining long-term financial security at the school when he chooses to retire.
The school president could award a discretion bonus of $100,000 each May. Stricklin also will have private use of the University Athletic Association aircraft, up to a value of $70,000, and use of a car from a Gainesville dealer.
Stricklin with have a base salary of $1.25 million and receive $305,000 for public relations, a $290,000 retention bonus, $125,000 longevity bonus and $105,000 expense account.
When his contract expires, the 55-year-old would have the option to become a special assistant for five years to his successor. The role is similar to the AD emeritus title predecessor Jeremy Foley assumed when Stricklin moved into his current role Nov. 1, 2016.
University of Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, left, presents Gators jersey to Todd Golden when he hired Golden three years ago. (Tim Casey/Courtesy of UAA).
In retirement, Stricklin would have a $100,000 salary, an on-campus office and administrative support. He would continue to have private use of the UAA aircraft, up to a value of $55,000, and also receive club seats to football, men’s basketball and baseball games.
Stricklin’s recent extension, signed on June 10, came two months after the Gators won the national championship in men’s basketball under Todd Golden, who was hired in March 2022. The title was the 13th during Stricklin’s tenure along with 44 SEC titles during his nine years at UF.
Golden’s success validated Stricklin’s ability to hire top coaches in high-profile sports after Dan Mullen’s tenure nosedived during his fourth season and Billy Napier’s subsequent hire had yet to pan out.
Napier is 19-19 in three seasons at UF, but there is optimism surrounding the No. 13 Gators (1-0) entering Year 4.
This time last year, though, Napier’s future appeared in doubt while Stricklin’s own was uncertain.
Lopsided home losses to Miami and Texas A&M left the Gators 1-2 and Napier positioned to lose his job less than three years after he was the only candidate to replace Mullen, whom Stricklin hired away from Mississippi State after the 2017 season.
UF athletic director Scott Stricklin (left) and football coach Billy Napier are in their fourth season together at UF. (James Gilbert/Getty)
Stricklin then gave Napier a signficant increase in resources to build the program.
Napier, though, still has a chance to reward Stricklin’s support and patience.
The Gators also suffered an indelible black eye with Stricklin in charge.
Women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer resigned amid scandal in July 2021, six weeks after agreeing to a three-year contract extension. Newbauer allegedly belittled players, threw basketballs at them during fits of anger and demeaned Black members of the team because of their appearance.
In April 2022, Stricklin also fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato after a 4-12 season because he lacked the interpersonal skills required to effectively deal with his players.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Originally Published: September 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM EDT