UCF defensive coordinator Randy Shannon’s newest contract included a $1 million annual salary and a hefty buyout, according to records obtained by Knight News.
If UCF were to fire Shannon without cause, UCF would owe him 100% of his $1 million base salary through the term of the agreement, the records state. These terms of Shannon’s agreement had not previously been reported.
The extension — signed by Shannon and UCF Director of Athletics Danny White in February 2020 — runs through January 2022.
Retention Bonus
Shannon was eligible for a one-time retention bonus of $300,000 on Feb. 6, 2020, and it was to be paid on Feb. 15, 2020.
“Eligibility for retention bonus is employee being actively engaged as Assistant Coach/ Defensive Coordinator, Football as of February 6, 2020,” the contract reads.
Termination Clause
“Nothing in this agreement shall be deemed to create any right, interest, or expectancy of continued employment,” the contract states. “Further, Athletics reserves the right to terminate this agreement at any time. Accordingly, Employee may be notified of termination at any time during the term of this agreement.”
Knight News obtained Shannon’s employee agreement on Tuesday. The document can be viewed here.
2017 – 2020
Shannon’s previous contract — which was from Dec. 5, 2017, through the end of the 2020 football season — listed his annual rate of pay as $300,000.
Shannon’s contract from 2017 to 2020 can be viewed here.
“Effective February 6, 2020, employee shall be eligible to receive a one-time retention bonus in the amount of $300,000, to be paid on February 15, 2020,” the contract reads. “Eligibility for retention bonus is employee being actively engaged as Assistant Coach/ Defensive Coordinator, Football as of February 6, 2020.”
The 2017-2020 contract states that Shannon’s additional benefits include participation in the UCF Athletics vehicle program — a UCF vehicle is provided, courtesy or lease, or an auto allowance is provided, the contract states.
Shannon’s contract also states “incentives are included in Head Coach’s contract.”
Heupel’s contract was updated in November 2018 — the updated contract can be read here, and the supplemental amendment can be read here.
UCF head coach Josh Heupel’s 2017-2023 contract — signed in December 2017 — can be read here.
Shannon joined the Knights’ staff as defensive coordinator in December 2017.
Before joining the Knights, Shannon served in many coaching roles.
- 2017 — Florida, interim head coach
- 2017 — Florida, defensive coordinator
- 2015-2016 — Florida, associate head coach/co-coordinator & linebackers
- 2013-14 — Arkansas, senior associate head coach & linebackers
- 2012 — TCU, linebackers coach
- 2007-10 — Miami, head coach
- 2001-06 — Miami, defensive coordinator
- 2000 — Miami Dolphins, linebackers coach
- 1998-99 — Miami Dolphins, defensive assistant coach
