CHEYENNE — Wyoming has hired Florida associate head coach Larry Shyatt as its next head basketball coach.
Wyoming athletics officials announced Thursday that Shyatt has agreed to a five-year contract, which includes a base salary of $190,000 per year and a total compensation package that could earn him up to $645,000 per year.
He replaces Heath Schroyer, who was fired in February.
Shyatt was the Cowboys’ head coach during the 1997-98 season, when he led the team to a 19-9 record. He left Wyoming to coach Clemson for five seasons.
He spent seven years at Florida and helped the Gators win the 2006 and 2007 NCAA championships plus three Southeastern Conference Tournament championships.
Shyatt has spent 35 years as a college coach. He was associate head coach at Clemson before Wyoming hired him the first time.
“I’m truly thankful for the opportunity given by president (Tom) Buchanan and (athletics director) Tom Burman to return to Laramie and the University of Wyoming,” Shyatt said in a statement. “The experience my wife, Pam, and I had in Laramie, and the many people we met in the state, has always been among our fondest memories in over 30 years of coaching.
“I’ve spent seven great years at the University of Florida helping to build a championship- caliber program, and this is one of the only places I would have considered leaving for.
“I’m excited about the commitment of the administration, and the passionate fan base I remember at Wyoming.”
Florida coach Billy Donovan said he’s both excited and sad to lose “one of my closest friends. He’s one of the great minds in basketball and he deserves this opportunity.”
Weber remains “committed” to Illini
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois coach Bruce Weber said he has received calls about other coaching jobs but doesn’t plan to leave the Illini. The eighth-year head coach had been linked this week to the vacant Oklahoma position.
“I received a few interest calls regarding other positions, but nothing beyond that,” he said. “I remain committed to the University of Illinois.”
Footnotes.
Nebraska guard Eshaunte “Bear” Jones, who averaged 4.1 points in 28 games, said he’s leaving the program.
• Connecticut’s Kemba Walker won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard.
• Hofstra signed first-year coach Mo Cassara to a five-year contract through the 2015-16 season.
Denver Post wire services
