Kentucky Track & Field coach Lonnie Greene receives contract extension

The Kentucky Track and Field program is thriving; in turn, head coach Rolando “Lonnie” Greene got a big new deal. At the end of May, Greene agreed to a contract extension with Kentucky through June 30, 2027, which includes a hefty pay raise and bonuses.

Greene, who took over for Edrick Floreal as Kentucky’s track and field and cross country coach in July 2018, will make $335,000 this upcoming year, a $30,000 increase over his previous agreement. His base salary will increase by $25,000 each year, topping off at $435,000 for the 2026-2027 season (or until he agrees to another new deal). Greene will also receive bonuses for staying at Kentucky, starting at $50,000 for the upcoming year and increasing to $75,000 in 2025 and $100,000 in 2027. The retention bonuses are in addition to incentives already in place for academic and performance achievements and multimedia deals and endorsements.

Kentucky Women’s Team makes the podium in Eugene

On Saturday, the Kentucky women’s track and field team finished third at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, with Abby Steiner setting a collegiate record in the 200m and the 4x400m relay of Steiner, Karimah Davis, Dajour Miles, and Alexis Holmes also taking home gold. It’s the fourth time in program history the women’s team finished in the top four, the first time since 2018. Kentucky’s 50 team points are the most since 2015 when the Cats were national runners-up.

It was a big weekend for the entire program in Eugene, but Greene told reporters that watching Kentucky’s 4x400m relay come back to win gold was especially sweet.

“That’s one of the individual events I’ve been chasing for 30 years, and to finally win one, that was a heck of a feeling as a coach. I’m excited for the young people to be national champions in the 4x400m.”

ICYMI, Steiner’s 48.92-second leg to give the Cats the lead is simply unbelievable.

Our 4x400m relay legendary Wildcats are #NCAATF Champions!

Already the collegiate record-holders (3:21.93), Karimah Davis , Dajour Miles, Abby Steiner (48.92!) and Alexis Holmes (50.22⚓️) win @NCAATrackField mile relay title in 3:22.55! pic.twitter.com/X6jYQXpk8Y

— UK Track & Field (@KentuckyTrack) June 12, 2022

Congrats to Coach Greene. With a new indoor facility on the way, Kentucky Track & Field is poised to remain on the podium.