Riser's firing surprises LAA president( Southeastern)

Allen Waddell, president of Lions Athletic Association, which supplements salaries for Southeastern Louisiana University, said he was surprised by Athletics Director Jay Artigues’ decision to fire baseball coach Matt Riser.

The university announced the decision Monday, less than six months after Riser had signed an extension through the 2025 season.

quote:

---

“I mean it’s ultimately (Artigues), he has to make that decision,” Waddell said. “He’s responsible for whether he thinks the program is headed in the right decision, and that’s a decision that was made.”

---

Riser’s buyout is $224,000, and, according to terms of the contract, which were obtained through a public records request, the buyout must be paid within 120 days.

quote:

---

According to the contract, Riser was being paid an annual base salary of $75,276 by the university. He was paid an additional $27,000 a year by the LAA for his “LAA fundraising and speaking engagements as assigned by the athletic director.” An additional $10,000 was paid from the LAA for his radio show, with revenue generated from the show, such as sponsors, required to go to the LAA.

---

The contract outlined salary supplements available to Riser that include personal and team post-season awards and accomplishments.

As an example, Riser could earn a $250 bonus if selected Conference Coach of the Year and $2,000 for NCAA post-season appearances.

If the Lions had won a national championship Riser would have earned a $10,000 bonus.

Riser was also able to earn additional income through camps and clinics.[quote]Riser finished his Southeastern tenure with a 320-224 record. The 2015 Southland Coach of the Year led SLU to four NCAA Regional appearances (2014, 2016, 2017, 2022), two SLC Tournament titles (2014, 2022) and the 2015 Southland regular season championship. Can’t believe they got rid of him