Dannen's termination letter to Penrith

Gazette Communications has obtained the contract and termination letter of former University of Northern Iowa wrestling coach Brad Penrith through a Freedom of Information request.

Not really a lot of news here. Of course, the tone of the letter seems consistent with the reasoning and the comments made by Dannen after the move. He explained that when he offered the extension he didn't have adequate time to grade and gauge the program. He said that processed was carried out during and immediately after the season. He also stressed that Penrith was a fine rep of the institution and that he just felt a change was needed. Take it for what it's worth.

A few interesting bits is that the annual base salary was $70, 658. He did have some incentives added into it, including $5,000 for a top 15 finish and $7,500 for reaching the top 10. I guess it makes sense and is reasonable but why am I thinking it's on the low end. Of course, I don't have a list or the knowledge of what most wrestling coaches make.

I know it's a coincidence, because Dannen claimed he did not make up his mind until his meeting with Penrith on April 7, but if you look at the contract it specifically says there is a $100,000 buyout if terminated prior to March 31 and zilch after April 1. The two had a meeting before the cut-off date and then a week later Penrith is released. That's quite a coincidence.

Here are the official documents:

Brad Penrith Contract & Termination Letter