Fresh off a national runner-up finish and 33-win season, Nebraska has signed head volleyball coach John Cook to a contract extension through the 2028 season.
The new five-year contract, which begins on June 1, bumps Cook’s salary up $75,000 to $825,000 annually and comes with a retention bonus of $70,000 on July 1, 2024. Additionally, certain athletic accomplishments trigger further bonuses and the contract includes deferred compensation.
Men’s and women’s basketball coaches Fred Hoiberg and Amy Williams both received contract extensions following NCAA Tournament seasons while interim athletic director Dennis Leblanc was running the department, and now new AD Troy Dannen adds Cook to that list.
“We are fortunate to have John Cook leading our volleyball program,” Dannen said in a release. “He is the most accomplished coach in the nation, and one of the top coaches in the history of American volleyball. John’s expectations are for nothing less than excellence in each and every endeavor, and his record reflects that.
“His influence within the department, and the leadership he brings across our 24-sport program benefits Cornhusker athletics well beyond just the sport of volleyball. John’s vision has been to establish Nebraska as a national leader in advancing and promoting the sport of volleyball, and this extension certainly represents the successful outcome of that vision.”
Cook said he already knows how he’s planning to spend the retention bonus.
“I am very grateful to Troy and our administration for their support and confidence in our Husker volleyball program,” Cook said. “When Troy and I talked about my contract, I proposed that instead of an annual escalating salary that some coaches do, it would mean a great deal to me if the Nebraska Athletic Department would consider supporting me in purchasing a horse out in central Nebraska that I’ve had my eye on. The horse, called No. 415, was born and bred at the famous Pitzer Ranch in Ericson and is a once-in-a-lifetime performance horse. He was purchased as a weanling by Mark Wray and then trained by the Wray family. Troy loved the idea and while they couldn’t specifically write that into the contract, the retention bonus will be used for No. 415. I am honored that Troy was supportive of my idea and it means a lot to me. We are all looking forward to what should be an exciting 2024 season.”
Under Cook, Nebraska has won four national championships and 13 conference titles while reaching 11 NCAA Semifinals. The Huskers boast a 689-100 record under his leadership, the best winning percentage in the country during his tenure. Already in the AVCA Hall of Fame, Cook won his third AVCA National Coach of the Year honor this past season.
The Huskers are set to return 10 players including all seven starters from the 2023 season and add a talented signing class featuring two freshmen and two transfers including 202 Big Ten Player of the Year Taylor Landfair.
