The Univ. of Missouri System Board of Curators paid North Carolina-based Collegiate Sports Associates $75,500, "plus agreed-upon expenses," for assistance in identifying Jim Sterk as Mack Rhoades’ successor for the AD role, according to Tod Palmer of the K.C. STAR. The school used Korn Ferry during its search for a new AD in '15 that led to Rhoades' hiring, paying $75,000. The agreement with CSA also "stipulates that if Sterk [is] fired or leaves his post ... for any reason other than death or disability within two years from his start date," the search firm will "reopen the search at no additional fee." CSA also agrees "not to recruit anyone who directly reports to Sterk for six months and will not seek to recruit Sterk for another position during the term of his employment at MU." The school paid CSA a $38,000 initial retainer, which "included a one-time $500 'office support fee,' and another $37,500 upon completion of the search" (KANSASCITY.com, 8/10). Palmer noted Missouri on Tuesday formally approved Sterk's contract "at a special meeting." Sterk "agreed to a seven-year contract through June 30, 2023, with a base salary of $500,000," which includes "an additional $200,000 in guaranteed annual compensation plus incentives worth up to $150,000 more." During the contract term, Sterk also is "entitled to $150,000 per year in deferred compensation, making the potential total value of the contract" $1M annually. Sterk will assume his new role "on or before Sept. 1" (K.C. STAR, 8/10).
STERK CONTRAST: In San Diego, Bryce Miller noted Sterk's hire "could cost San Diego State its spot" on the NCAA D-I men’s basketball committee. NCAA Dir of Media Coordination & Statistics David Worlock in an email wrote, "Jim can’t remain on the committee because the SEC already has representation" via Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart. Worlock explained that SDSU "could again be considered for the opening, but the process would be re-opened." He added that the timeline of selecting and announcing a replacement "is to be determined" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/10).
