Report: Avery Johnson negotiating buyout with Alabama
Alabama head coach Avery Johnson is negotiating a buyout with the school for what would be a mutually agreed upon separation, according to AL.com's Michael Casagrande.
Johnson took over as coach of the Crimson Tide in 2015. He owns a 75-62 record and one tournament appearance.
Prior to buyout discussions, Johnson said he wanted to stay with the program after losing in the opening round of the NIT to Norfolk State on Wednesday.
"I love being the coach here at Alabama. That’s my plan," Johnson said. "I made that crystal clear to (Alabama athletics director) Greg (Byrne) in our meeting. And hopefully they feel the same way. But I'm committed to it. I still have time left, obviously on my contract."
The former San Antonio Spurs point guard earned $3 million last season, making him the 19th highest-paid coach in the country.
Johnson was an NBA head coach for seven seasons from 2005-12. In 2006, he guided the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance.