Nebraska’s Director of Athletics, Troy Dannen, announced that John Cook, the Head Volleyball Coach, has signed a five-year contract extension. While this news is significant in its own right, what truly stands out is a unique request from Cook, which involves a horse.
Cook, a four-time national champion coach, will now earn an annual salary of $825,000, marking a $75,000 increase starting June 1. Additionally, Cook will receive a $70,000 retention bonus on July 1, 2024. But unlike traditional contracts that might include escalating salaries or various bonuses tied to performance, Cook’s agreement contains a personal and heartfelt element.
“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,” Cook said.
This horse, known as No. 415, hails from the Pitzer Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska. Born and bred at the ranch, No. 415 was initially purchased as a weanling by Mark Wray and subsequently trained by the Wray family, becoming a once-in-a-lifetime performance horse.
Dannen embraced Cook’s proposal with enthusiasm. Although the contract couldn’t specifically allocate funds for the horse, the retention bonus will serve this purpose.
“I am honored that Troy was supportive of my idea and it means a lot to me.”
