Penn State extended AD Pat Craft’s contract through 2031-32

Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft has received a contract extension that runs through June 30, 2032 and will pay him an average of $2.26 million per year over the next eight years, the school announced Monday.

Kraft, who was entering year 3 of a five-year contract, will have the opportunity for performance-based bonuses of up to $350,000 annually if he reaches certain goals, including “for academic and competitive excellence,” according to the school.

The extension was approved by the Penn State Board of Trustees and its Equity and Human Resources Committee. The vote was unanimous.

“Pat is a tremendous leader who brings valuable insight and strategic direction to athletics and the university, with a focus on athletic and academic success for Penn State’s more than 800 student-athletes,” Penn State President Neely Bendapudi said in a statement. “This new contract will help ensure that Penn State continues to benefit from Pat’s leadership for years to come.”

According to a release, Penn State worked with consulting firm Segal to analyze the compensation of Division I athletic directors nationwide and determine a competitive salary.

Kraft joined Penn State in July 2022 from Boston College. Under his leadership, Penn State produced six individual NCAA champion student-athletes, 19 nationally ranked teams and national champions in wrestling in 2023-24. In the 2022–23 season, Penn State recorded its highest Learfield Directors’ Cup finish since 2018–19, ranking No. 15 in school performance rankings across sports.

Kraft created a mental health and wellness department within Penn State athletics and invested significantly in nutrition, mental health support, recovery and travel programs. He led Penn State to a 93% graduation success rate, including 12 programs with a 100% rating, according to the NCAA’s most recent report.

“I am deeply grateful to President Bendapudi and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support of our intercollegiate athletics program and our leadership team,” Kraft said in a statement. “Penn State is an extraordinary place, made possible by its incredible people — our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches and staff, passionate supporters and engaged community members. I look forward to all of us continuing to work together to improve Penn State athletics.” Excited. The university as a whole, our kids, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Penn State and State College community, and we can’t wait for what lies ahead.”