Tom Jurich Reaches Retirement Settlement with Louisville Amid Adidas Scandal

The University of Louisville and former athletic director Tom Jurich reached a $4.5 million settlement agreement following his October firing amid the college basketball recruiting scandal.

On Thursday, Chris Otts of WDRB reported the deal came following months of quiet negotiations after Jurich opted not to file a lawsuit against the school—the route taken by former Cardinals head basketball coach Rick Pitino.

Former Louisville interim president Greg Postel released a letter sent to Jurich after the Board of Trustees voted to terminate his contract with cause.

"In addition, you have demonstrated a consistent and willful lack of supervision of head coaches. As the Athletic Director, you are responsible for supervising head coaches and performing yearly performance reviews and assessments. Despite this obligation, our review of the Department of Athletics personnel files for all varsity athletics head coaches—some of whom have been employed by the University for well over 10 years—do not contain a single performance assessment or disciplinary memorandum issued by you."

Mike Stunson of the Lexington Herald-Leader noted both sides provided statements after the settlement deal was announced.

"Everyone is pleased that this matter has been successfully resolved," Louisville Board of Trustees chairman J. David Grissom said. "All parties can move forward to begin the next chapter."

"I have spent the better part of my career working with a dedicated team of athletes, coaches and staff to elevate the University of Louisville's Athletic Department and I am proud of what we accomplished, which is well documented," Jurich said.

Jurich, who joined Louisville in 1997, was under contract through 2023 before his firing.

Meanwhile, the school filed court documents in the Pitino case Monday with 53 "requests for admission" from the longtime Cardinals coach, including allowing agent Christian Dawkins to attend practice. Dawkins is a central figure in the recruiting scandal.

Pitino and Brian Bowen, the prospect at the center of the situation, have both denied any knowledge or involvement in the alleged payments to the recruit's family to secure his Louisville commitment.