June 22, 1999
Texas A&M University President Dr. Ray Bowen and athletic director Wally Groff announced a new contract for Aggie head football coach R.C. Slocum.
"R.C. Slocum has done a tremendous job representing Texas A&M University," Dr. Bowen said. "On and off of the playing field, he has handled himself with class and dignity. He has kept the Aggie football program among the national leaders and has done so with integrity."
Slocum's total package will increase from $780,000 to $1 million dollars per year. The old contract was a seven-year rollover, but the new contract is a seven-year deal. His base salary was $185,000, but will be increased to $300,000, effective June 1, 1999. The rest of the package includes radio and television money, a housing allowance, cars, a country club membership as well as money from a shoe contract.
"I believe this package is comparable to other top football coaches in the country and R.C. Slocum is among the top coaches in the country," Groff said. "He has gone about his business in a classy manner and has done so with a high regard to compliance with NCAA and Big 12 rules. I am very pleased we were able to get this worked out in a timely fashion."
Slocum, the winningest coach in Texas A&M history with a record of 94-28-2 and the fifth-winningest active Division I head coach, led the Aggies to the Big 12 Championship this past season. Under his guidance, the Aggies have won two Big 12 South titles and three Southwest Conference championships. Nine of the 10 years Texas A&M finished in the Top 20 national rankings and the team has played in eight bowl games with five of those being New Year's Day games.
"Texas A&M is a very special place to me and I appreciate the support of Dr. Bowen, Wally Groff and the entire Aggie family," Slocum said. "I've been fortunate to have outstanding players and assistant coaches. We will continue to work hard to bring success to the football program."