Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook signs new five-year contract

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook has signed a new five-year contract, university officials announced Tuesday.

Cook’s new deal — which includes a salary of $825,000 and a retention bonus of $70,000 — begins on June 1 and goes until Jan. 31, 2029.

In addition to a salary bump, Cook is eligible for bonuses if the team meets “certain levels of athletic achievement.”  The contract also features a deferred compensation agreement.

Athletic Director Troy Dannen said the university is “fortunate” to have Cook leading the Husker volleyball team.

“He is the most accomplished coach in the nation, and one of the top coaches in the history of American volleyball,” Dannen said in a press release. “John’s expectations are for nothing less than excellence in each and every endeavor, and his record reflects that.”

During contract negotiations, Cook proposed that the athletic department buy him a horse in central Nebraska rather than giving him an escalating salary.

“Troy loved the idea and while they couldn’t specifically write that into the contract, the retention bonus will be used for No. 415,” Cook said in a statement. “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.”

Since 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to four NCAA championships, nine Big 12 titles and four Big Ten titles.

Cook is also a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association national coach of the year.