Ernie Kent introduced as 18th head basketball coach in history of Washington State
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Washington State basketball coach Ernie Kent says his four years out of coaching have re-energized and re-educated him.
Kent was introduced Wednesday as the 18th head basketball coach in the history of Washington State.
Kent was fired by Oregon after the 2009-10 season and has since worked as a television analyst.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He says the time away from coaching amounted to a much-needed sabbatical.
Athletic director Bill Moos says Kent signed a five-year contract that will pay him a guaranteed $1.4 million a year and is loaded with incentives. The contract includes a $2 million buyout, and there is also a pool of $650,000 to hire assistants.
Kent replaces Ken Bone, who was fired after five seasons.