Nebraska Volleyball Coach Had Unusual Request Involving A Horse In Contract Negotiations

Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook was more concerned about an animal than more money during his contract negotiations.

Cook is arguably the best coach in women's volleyball, and he has four national titles to his name. When you win at that kind of clip, you can demand big money.

Nebraska has never been shy about paying its coaches massive salaries. It's a rich school with very deep pockets when it comes to sports.

However, Cook was interested in getting more than just a bag of money from the Cornhuskers. He wanted a horse.

Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook had unusual contract request. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

John Cook asked for help buying a horse during new contract negotiations

Cook agreed to a new five-year contract with Nebraska that includes a total average annual value of more than $1 million, according to USA Today.

But it was the horse request that grabbed my attention. Cook asked the school to help him get a performance horse named No. 415. The Nebraska coach said the following in a statement Wednesday:

"I am very grateful to Troy and our administration for their support and confidence in our Husker volleyball program. When Troy and I talked about my contract, I proposed that instead of an annual escalating salary that some coaches do, it would mean a great deal to me if the Nebraska Athletic Department would consider supporting me in purchasing a horse out in central Nebraska that I've had my eye on. The horse, called No. 415, was born and bred at the famous Pitzer Ranch in Ericson and is a once-in-a-lifetime performance horse. He was purchased as a weanling by Mark Wray and then trained by the Wray family. Troy loved the idea and while they couldn't specifically write that into the contract, the retention bonus will be used for No. 415. I am honored that Troy was supportive of my idea and it means a lot to me. We are all looking forward to what should be an exciting 2024 season."

Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook received a retention bonus to help buy a horse. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Cook will now use a $70,000 retention bonus due at the start of July to get the horse. Sometimes, a man's passions are more important than money, and it seems like that's the situation here.

Having extra perks isn't unusual in a coaching contract. Top-level coaches can have house loans, private jet flight hours and insurance policies put into contracts.

However, I've never heard of a coach asking for money to buy a horse before. That's definitely a new one, and it's awesome.

We need more major college coaches making interesting contract demands. They're all rich at the highest levels, and getting extra private jet hours or a house isn't interesting.

Start demanding expensive animals, fancy vacations or anything else your imagination can cook up. Is there an independent movie a coach wants to finance? Put it in the deal. Want a fancy vacation off the coast of Italy? Swipe the school's card.

Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook is buying a horse with bonus money from his new contract. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Cook swinging for the fence with a performance horse is as unique as it is awesome. Props to him for getting the money through a retention bonus. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.