Memphis' Penny Hardaway agrees to long-term contract extension amid team's probation

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Penny Hardaway has agreed to the terms of a six-year contract extension to remain the head coach of the Memphis Tigers, the school announced Wednesday.

According to school officials, Hardaway will earn $16.5 million as Memphis' basketball coach. He can earn more based on incentives written into the deal, which runs through 2028.

"As I have said many times, this is a dream position for me, and I do not take it for granted," Hardaway said after signing the deal.

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Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway yells from the sideline during a game against Houston in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 13, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Hardaway has been Memphis' head coach since the 2018-2019 season. He has complied a record of 84-34 during his tenure. 

The Tigers have returned to prominence since Hardaway's arrival on campus, winning at least 20 games in four straight seasons.

Memphis earned a spot in the 2022 NCAA Tournament where they won a first-round game.

In September, the NCAA placed Memphis on probation for three years. The men's basketball program also was subjected to a budget cut.

NCAA PUTS MEMPHIS BASKETBALL ON THREE YEARS' PROBATION, SAY PENNY HARDAWAY DIDN'T VIOLATE RULES

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway instructs his team during a game against SMU in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

However, the Independent Accountability Review Panel found that Hardaway did not violate NCAA rules when he provided benefits to multiple prospective players due to his record of philanthropy.

James Wiseman, who now plays in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors, was one of the prospective