Kentucky extends volleyball coach Craig Skinner through 2031

Kentucky volleyball head coach Craig Skinner has agreed to a contract extension through 2031, UK Athletic Director J Batt announced on Oct. 20.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but his base salary is $525,000 this season. His previous contract was signed in 2022 and effective through June of 2029. Skinner's latest extension comes after securing career win No. 500 earlier this season and amid the program's quest for a 10th consecutive SEC title .

Skinner has also led the Wildcats to 21 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, highlighted by the 2020 national title.

"Coach Skinner represents the type of excellence we want Kentucky Athletics to stand for," Batt said in a press release. "He has built a championship program, developed outstanding student-athletes, attracted record crowds and created an expectation to compete at the highest level year after year. We're bullish about where Kentucky Athletics is headed, and volleyball is a great example why. Craig has built something special here, and we're excited about what's ahead for the program."

"Since Megan and I arrived in Lexington in 2005, Kentucky has become our home and embraced us with open arms," Skinner said in a press release. "We've won championships together, we've watched athletes become leaders as they graduate, and we've done it all with the support of Big Blue Nation by our side. We are thrilled to be a part of J's long-term vision for Kentucky Athletics. We're excited about our staff and continuing to build on the foundation that we've created alongside the momentum in the sport of volleyball. Thank you to President Capilouto, J Batt, Rachel Newman Baker and Katie Eiserman for their trust in me and continued support of Kentucky Volleyball, and let's go finish 2026 strong!"

Skinner's former contract established his base salary as follows:

Skinner's old deal also got him $5,000 per contract year (payable on July 31 and Jan. 31) for "media and endorsement" obligations.

His incentive-based bonuses were not cumulative and included:

He was permitted in his old contract to conduct volleyball camps using UK facilities and can "retain net income therefrom after payment of appropriate but reasonable expenses … incurred by the University and others." Skinner was allowed to pursue "outside activities" with authorization from the university and must provide a "written detailed account to the Director of Athletics and the President of the University at least once annually, or more frequently upon request, for all athletically related income, compensation, gratuities or benefits from any and all sources outside the University and the University Agreements."

A $400 per month automobile stipend ($4,800 annually) or "late model vehicle for his use";

A membership with the Lexington Country Club;

Health plan, life insurance, dental insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and long term disability;

A retirement fund where the university contributes "an amount equal to 5% or 10%...of the annual base salary," and Skinner contributes 5% of his base salary;

Vacation leave subject to athletics director approval;

And two free tickets to men's basketball and football games

Under his old deal, if UK were to fire Skinner without cause, it would owe him "all remaining Base Salary amounts." Should Skinner have found a new job, this amount would've be offset by whatever his new minimum guaranteed salary would be "or the reasonable market value of the position, whichever is greater."

Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.