*UPDATE: The link to the extension is old news, tweeted today by the Dispatch's Rob Oller. Carry on with your befuddlement that Smith still has a deal through 2016.
↵Ohio State announced that they reached an agreement on a contract extension for Athletic Director Gene Smith. The Buckeyes' AD has been under fire over the past couple years, with plenty of boosters and fans unsettled and angry at his handling of the tattoo incident and subsequent NCAA investigation. He badly misjudged the penalties, resulting in a bowl ban that could have likely been self-imposed during this past mediocre season. Luke has the full details of Smith's less than impressive record over the past few years at Land-Grant Holy Land.
↵Smith's new deal extends his contract four years through 2016, and raises his base salary from $640,000 to $648,000 with the potential for another $100,000 in incentives. Here's the statement from Smith on the new deal:
↵↵↵"I'm excited and honored to receive this extension. I'm committed to supporting President Gee and his vision for the institution. I look forward every day to supporting our student athletes and coaches. I've enjoyed experiences at many institutions but none like this. This is my final home. Sheila and I have put down roots in Columbus," Smith said.
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