Earlier this year, the Kennesaw State Athletics Department decided to hire former University of Georgia assistant coach and Cobb County native Amir Abdur-Rahim as the new head basketball coach for the Owls. The details of his contract have recently been released.
“This is a job I’ve always had my eye on,” Adbur-Rahim said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Kennesaw State provided a unique opportunity to build something special and something that could be built to sustain over time.”
As the official team practices get underway in preparation for the upcoming season, KSU and Abdur-Rahim were able to agree on a four-year contract, securing a long-term outlook for change.
The two sides were able to come together to sign the four-year contract that began May 1, and will last until March 31, 2023.
Abdur-Rahim will earn an annual rate of $200,000 for the first season, and his annual rate will increase by $10,000 each year, reaching $230,000 for the 2023 season, according to Watch Stadium.
Ten season tickets, as well as 10 single-game tickets, will be granted to Adbur-Rahim for the upcoming season, “as well as a $650 monthly car stipend or courtesy car,” according to Watch Stadium.
Additional compensation will be added to the contract if Adbur-Rahim can turn around the Owls’ performance over the last few seasons. Bonuses are rewarded in the contract if the Owls were to reach conference championships, as well as any appearances in the NCAA tournament.
After finishing the 2018 season with a 6-26 record under former head coach Al Skinner, KSU decided to head in a new direction, hiring Adbur-Rahim to take over as head coach for the Owls.
Prior to being hired at KSU, Abdur-Rahim spent one year on the UGA coaching staff under head coach Tom Crean. Before that, Abdur-Rahim was part of the coaching staff at Texas A&M and Murray State.
During his coaching career, Abdur-Rahim has assisted in two players making it to the NBA — Robert Williams III from Texas A&M and Isaiah Canaan from Murray State, according to KSU Athletics.
Abdur-Rahim’s resume and past experience is promising for the Owls and can provide a new perspective and energy to the program going forward.
After receiving his new contract extension, Adbur-Rahim looks to begin the next chapter of KSU men’s basketball with the season opener just over a month away, against the Creighton Blue Jays on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
