Coach Tony Yates of the University of...

Coach Tony Yates of the University of Cincinnati, under criticism for failing to produce winning basketball teams, has agreed to a renegotiated contract under which he could be fired in 1989.

Yates, point guard on two University of Cincinnati national champion teams in 1961 and ‘62, will still receive annual base pay of $77,868 under the two-year contract, university officials said. It replaces a five-year, roll-over contract that the university had been routinely extending since granting it to Yates in 1985.

Yates, 50, heard some calls for his firing since his team concluded an 11-17 season in 1987-88, after two consecutive 12-16 seasons. During his five years at Cincinnati, his teams have a record of 55-88. His 1984-85 team finished 17-14 and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament, earning Yates honors as the Metro Conference coach of the year.