UA, Bielema Agree to 6-Year Deal

The University of Arkansas has agreed on a six-year deal that will pay Bret Bielema $3.2 million annually to be the school’s new football coach.

The school also will pay a $1 million buyout to the University of Wisconsin, where Bielema coached the previous seven seasons.

The UA released a copy of a signed “offer letter” between the two parties on Wednesday, one day after the school confirmed Bielema is making the move from Wisconsin. Bielema has a 68-24 career record and has led the Badgers to three consecutive Rose Bowls.

Bielema replaces John L. Smith, who signed an eight-month contract after replacing Bobby Petrino in April. Petrino was fired following a scandal that involved former UA volleyball player and athletic department employee Jessica Dorrell.

According to the documents released Wednesday, Bielema also can earn up to $700,000 annually in performance-based incentive payments. The letter also outlines other perks like country club memberships and the use of two automobiles, as well as buyout parameters should either the UA or Bielema sever the agreement.

If Arkansas terminates the agreement “for convenience,” it will pay Bielema an amount between $3.2 million and $12.8 million, depending on when the action is taken. If Bielema terminates the agreement “for convenience,” he will pay the university an amount between $500,000 and $3 million, depending on when the action is taken.

The letter will be superseded by an official employment agreement once it is completed.

This story will be updated after Bielema’s formal introduction at a 4 p.m. press conference.