The tide has rolled in for Avery Johnson at the University of Alabama. The former Southern University guard received a two-year contract extension through 2023 on Friday. Johnson has been the head men’s basketball coach for the past two seasons and receives the extension despite not making the NCAA tournament in either season.
In 1998 while playing for the legendary Ben Jobe, Johnson led the nation with 13.3 assists per game during his senior year at Southern. He went on to become one of the most heralded undrafted players in the history of the NBA, playing 16 seasons and having his number retired by the San Antonio Spurs.
Johnson spent eight years coaching in the NBA before being hired at Alabama after a three-year layoff from the sidelines.
Johnson’s career has taken him to great heights obviously but his heart has remained close to the Southern University community. In the summer of 2016, he sent a full truck of supplies to flood victims in Louisiana. The University housed nearly 200 evacuees on their campus during the ordeal.
According to the Associated Press, Johnson will receive $2.9 million annually with this six-year deal.