Michigan football coach Brady Hoke signs 6-year deal that averages $3.25 million per year in compensation
Brady Hoke
Hoke will earn $2 million this season and his contract includes bonuses for staying with the Michigan program beyond three seasons and for reaching the final year of the deal.
Hoke was hired in January by Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon without a defined salary or compensation package, but knowing it was a six-year package. “We would have walked here from San Diego," Hoke said at his initial press conference on Jan. 12. "Getting up the Rockies would have been a little bit difficult, but we could have figured that out.”
Hoke's contract calls for a base salary of $300,000 per year, with additional compensation of $1.7 million this season, which covers television and other media appearances, a shoe and apparel deal and more. The additional compensation rises by $100,000 each year.
“The contract was handled by my agent and the University," Hoke said in a release from the Michigan athletic department Wednesday afternoon. "My focus has been on the football program and will continue to be on making this program the best in America. I couldn’t tell you what’s in the contract other than my signature.”
“The University offered Laura and I an opportunity to coach at Michigan, and that’s been my dream. Nothing will change my focus.”
Rich Rodriguez, who was fired in January, earned $2.5 million per year.
Hoke also can earn a $75,000 bonus this season for reaching a bowl game. That amount climbs to $125,000 if Michigan plays in the Capital One Bowl or Outback Bowl. If Michigan plays in the inaugural Big Ten championship game on Dec. 3, Hoke will earn a $300,000 bonus or $500,000 if the Wolverines win the conference title game. The amount of those potential bonuses rises in each year of the contract, but he's only entitled to the highest single bonus each season.
Each year Hoke remains with the program, he will earn a $500,000 bonus, but he will not receive the bonuses from the first two years until he completes his third season. And he will not receive the bonuses from the fourth and fifth seasons unless he completes a sixth season with the Wolverines.
Hoke's deal includes a buyout if he is fired while under contract. If he's fired this season, he'd get an $8 million settlement. That amount slides to $6 million in year two, $4 million in year three, $3 million in the fourth year and then $2 million in year five and six.
Also in the contract:
• Michigan agrees to pay the $1 million buyout clause in Hoke's San Diego State deal.
• Hoke has an apparel allowance of $4,000 per year.
• Download Hoke's contract: Hoke contract 2011.pdf
Comments
Wolf
Wed, Apr 6, 2011 : 3:12 a.m.
DB said we was going to be paying more like some of the other big schools are paying
WWBoDo
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 11 p.m.
I am reminded of Bo at Don Canham's memorial service when he recounted his hiring by Canham. Apparently, the deal was struck, Bo was walking out of Canham's office on his way to Miami, OH to gather things up and head back to Ann Arbor. A couple steps out of his office, he said he turned, walked back in and said "Mr. Canham, you never told me how much you were going to pay me"! Canham countered "Ok, $20,000 per year"! Bo, not one to argue, suggested that he was making that much at Miami and thought slightly more would be in order. Canham said, "Ok, $21,000". Bo agreed and was on his way to Miami for the return trip. While things have changed, I am heartened that Brady is of the same piece of cloth! Not his fault that this is what the foolish AD's and alumni want to throw at coaches. More power to Brady!! Good luck, Brady. The Maize & Blue faithful are behind you and the value system you represent.
Pablo
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
Let's see now...were he to work an 80-hour-week (twice normal), that works out to over $780 per hour...40 hours = $1,562/hour. Can someone please tell me -- no matter who s/he is or what is done -- what can someone do with $3 million bucks a year? Who is really worth that kind of money?
MichFanTex
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.
Whoever is willing to pay them. Marxism, alive and well in the USA.
RudeJude
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.
Someone whose success will help generate much more than 3 million a year for the university and local economy. Before Bo, there was a time when Michigan was so bad that it didn't fill its stadium every Saturday. The university works under the assumption that that money is going to continue rolling in. Paying him that amount is in hope that those seats will continue to be filled. The other university athletics depend on that money.
fredric
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Too: Moscow on the Hudson. by using the term " These Fans" I simply meant , how many are actually fans of the U of M or are they just professional complainers. You growing up in the A2 area, you understand what I mean. I grew up in A2 and saw many coaches prior to BO! Remember the off years of Coach Elliott. BUt, we still supported the team, never let them down. AS Jr and HS students, we could purchase $1.oo tickets to see our heros play the game on Saturday. Saw a lot of players that made the U of M what it is in the Football history books, one of the best!
michboy40
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Access to information has completely changed the way the masses view capitalism. Our society suffers from hubris and therefor closes it's eyes to it's problems. We just stare a the TV or computer and demand to be entertained. That is why football coaches are worth more than teachers.
Trouble
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
Proof is in pudding!
Erich Jensen
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Why do our football (and basketball) coaches and CEOs get their millions before a job well done (and then when they fail) while the rest of us workers get compensated (maybe) at our yearly performance appraisals even with a job well done? farmers feed us; teachers teach us...what is it a football coach does for us?
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
Re: "The University offered Laura and I an opportunity to coach at Michigan, and that's been my dream. Nothing will change my focus." – I hope Laura Hoke and her husband both maintain focus and do real well coaching the Michigan Wolverines. ;-) As for getting a return on investment: I'm pretty sure that Michigan will get_more than_ Iowa which pays their coach (Ferenz) more than Hoke is getting. I'm also pretty sure that, this time next year, Michigan won't be levying a quarter million dollar fine on and suspending THEIR coach for five games as has happened to "Top Spender" Ohio State University. Go Blue!! People get confused because football coaching is part of the entertainment business which competes for consumer dollars (like TV shows and movies do). Successful directors and producers produce millions in profit for successes like that - so they get paid millions in turn. All the universities have this same side business in that kind entertainment: (aka, "spectator") sports. Teachers, professors and university presidents, on the other hand, have chosen a different line of work - obviously with commitment and dedication. They are not in a highly remunerative line of work. I am certain that Governor Snyder could explain this matter of coach compensation better - and I'm sure that his Republican run legislature would do so too. These people are the experts we chose to lead us: listen to them and you'll be led. Just ask them.
Wolf
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Well DB did say that he up what the Coach got paid and when Hoke takes the Boys and us to the Rose Bowl and National Title then see what is said
RudeJude
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:02 a.m.
The soap box preachers sure came out in droves for this story. This is the Free Market working. Get over it. Go Blue.
RudeJude
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
Northside: Really? Obviously, we are talking about the professional coaches and not the amateur student-athletes. Did something I say make you think I was talking about college football as whole? Take it to college basketball and its PROFESSIONAL coaches. Look at Coach Painter at Purdue. He was successful and offered a job at Mizzou which made him more valuable to purdue, earning him a raise. Call him greedy if you want, but people are paid what they are worth in the free market, and Coach Painter garners his new raise.
northside
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
I can't believe anyone would think of college football as a free market system. If it was a free market the players would also be able to shop their services to the highest bidder, right? (insert Cam Newton joke here) And not have to sit out a year if they want to switch to another school? Players being restricted in earnings and movement contributes greatly to the coaches salary. If if was a free market system we wouldn't see the cartels that are the major conferences and the BCS, right? This enhances revenues for some 'companies' but systematically cuts out others.
RudeJude
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:42 a.m.
So, are you saying the university picked an arbitrary amount to pay Coach Hoke? The football program generates money for the university, especially when it wins, and the belief is that the football program wins more often under the tutelage of a good coach. Good coaches are hard to come by, making them a commodity, therefore, a good coach is valuable. Does money equal talent? No, but success definitely equals money, especially in the world of college football. Ask Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Les Miles or Mack Brown. Is Coach Hoke a sure bet? No, but Michigan is willing to pay out amounts in the range of what many successful coaches are being paid. Dave Brandon believes Coach Hoke has the potential to be successful (Big Ten Championships, National Titles) and is paying him according to his belief. He is not paying Coach Hoke a fixed, regulated salary, but an amount competitive with the salaries of other successful coaches. Don't want to call it Free Market? Then call it whatever you'd like. It is what it is. Go Blue.
Terminal
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
Free market? Who are you kidding? The so called free market is dominated by people who perpetuate the myth that money equals talent.
Kai Petainen
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:26 a.m.
michigan football, is part of the backbone of michigan and ann arbor. it's important for the community and for the university. it's a high paying job, but it's an incredibly important job. that being said... if's also incredible pressure... and if he doesn't do well... then people will complain and can non-violently complain and he should be able to handle the complaints. it's all part of the gig. and if they win the bowls... which i hope they do... i doubt many will be complaining then. but... if he gets fired he still gets $8 million? if one of us average peons got that job, would you be inclined to get fired on purpose? go blue!
RudeJude
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 4:20 a.m.
@ Terminal Looks like somebody here is a bitter panda. Yes, we understand there are different types of pressure, some seemingly more dire than others. Some people's pressure rests on keeping their kids fed and a roof over their heads, while others pressure rests on having a successful football program. Kai's point was a lot of people are depending on Coach Hoke's success. Some depend on him simply for the satisfaction of a winning football season, while others, say the concession vendors, depend on him possibly for their livelihood, you know, that thing that keeps children fed and roofs over their heads? Great comment, Kai. I get your point. Go Blue!
Kai Petainen
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
Terminal.... I agree with you -- that is pressure.
Terminal
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
Pressure is trying to feed your kids on a single income. Pressure is attempting to find a way to pay for an emergency room visit for a broken arm because your job doesn't offer health care of pay enough to buy it yourself. Pressure? Hoke could have a winless season and walk away with enough money to keep him in cheeseburgers forever.
treetowncartel
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
Anybodyin this country who gets paid more than the salary for Commander in Chief is overpaid. That is the most important job in America and if we define importance by wages earned , it deserves a salary that goes along with the responsibilities. Dave Brandon took a chance at trying a new pizza sauce and a crust, Brady Hoke is making a decision about what type of defense to run 12 saturdays out of 52, the President, regardless of who it is, has the fate of the world in his or her hands.
fredric
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.
When you read these comments, I can not see any way to please many of these so called fans. The U of M caught a outstanding individual to Coach the Team, lets support him and be happy that he is here. What is in his contract is between the U of M and the Coach, No body elses business. Period. I think that his salary is actually paid by the Football income , not sure, but is so, then is not even tax money paying any of this so lets PLAY BALL!!
Moscow On The Huron
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
"these so called fans." Apparently, through it's commenting system, Ann Arbor.com has stumbled upon the official arbiter of who is a fan and who isn't!
Terminal
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
People around here seem to care more about the "Team" and the "coach" to not only capitalize their titles and refuse a tax increase to fund their own children's education
missionbrazil
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
Portage " Hey fredric, I am happy hoke is here" Portage, an hour ago you posted this in a comment: "You see, I am not particularly happy about the choice of Brady" More MCC style "support" of Coach Hoke and the team.
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
Hey fredric, I am happy hoke is here, if hoke hadn't taken the job who was next in line?
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
tp, I agree wit you.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.
Wow, fredric that were ensitefull.
Terry Star21
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
Finally, one more intelligent response....SALUTE !
fredric
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.
Wit his Being on TV and other speaking engagements, this type of expense is common those that appear in public!
Bevington
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.
A $4000.00 Clothing Allowance? I wonder how long they negotiated for that.
D21
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
Maybe a weight clause for Hoke and Borges is in order after seeing Hoke futiley trying to catch up with his players in the spring training video. Hoke Is It!
E
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Tracyann, Public school teachers may never earn this kind of money, however they could earn significantly more if they did away with the practice of having union's negotiate their wages and benefits for their services. You see, a competitive employment environment expands ones opportunities to earn a greater wage. Teachers have given up their right to sell their services to the highest bidder by joining a union. Brady Hoke is free to offer his talents to whoever has the ability to pay him. As it should be, the more success he has as a coach the more money he makes. If teachers put themselves in a position to be paid based on their successes, they too would be paid accordingly.
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
Anyone know what Bo's salary + perks were when he was head coach?
cutty240
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Paying that kind of money for a Coach with a losing record.Brilliant.Sorry I forgot he's a Michighan Man.The DC is getting about a Million a year.They better win,and win soon.Your Pizza Man AD has no problem spending someone else's money,thats for sure.Thats almost 4 million for 2 Coaches.Get u Some.
loco123
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Don't like his salary? Complaining about it? Unfair? Got you fired up? Go watch field hockey instead next fall.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.
Unlike the teaching profession, there actually is accountability for failure in the coaching profession. Out of the tens of thousands of football coaches out there, most of them working for only a few thousand a year, only a few have demonstrated themselves capable of running an elite college football program. Those few can command a high salary.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 4:50 a.m.
The average teacher makes about $70,000 in compensation (salary + benefits). Most football coaches make about $2,000. So the few who make millions don't sway the average all that much. If there were a free market for teachers, not tenure and seniority and a complete lack of accountability, you'd see the absolute best teachers making a lot more. And you'd see those who can't teach out of a job rather than in the classrooms with our children.
sh1
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
Except the teachers aren't making millions a year.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
He's being paid for past performance, because he has demonstrated he can build a college football program. He has taken programs in places where it's difficult to win, and built competitive football teams. The big buyout is the guaranteed part of the contract. Michigan football generates too much revenue to afford to keep him around if he does fail. If a tenured teacher sucks, schools just leave her in place to suck because it's too expensive to replace one. They live in a word where if they go 0-12 in the classroom, our children are left to suffer. And there are a lot of 0-12 teachers in Ann Arbor harming our children. The NEA just smiles and asks for more money. However, you add up what 10,000 football coaches receive and what 10,000 teachers receive, you'll find the teachers get a lot more money in total - it's just distributed more evenly and there's no accountability for failure. Most football coaches receive a couple of thousand additional on a teaching contract.
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
If Michigan goes 0-12 this year and Hoke is fired he gets an $8 million buyout. Where is the accountability?
Terminal
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
Welcome to the Millionaire's Club, Mr Hoke. You'll never wait for a tee time as long as you live. Nor will you or your family want for a job because of the social and financial connections you'll make here in Ann Arbor.
RTFM
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
Throwing money at the problem. Sounds like our government.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Lots of misunderstanding here. The football program MAKES MONEY for the U. I suspect few critics are season ticket holders Too many people have a socialist mentality about everything..
Moscow On The Huron
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
I seem to remember reading that Bo actually resisted pay raises.
treetowncartel
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:03 a.m.
@ bluntampa, did that a few years ago, finally enjoying summers and early falli n northern michigan listening to Brandstater and Beckman on the radio floating on a lake, best move I ever made, and I don't have to stand in line to pee!
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
Bo made a lot of revenue for UM. He was well paid but I'm guessing never made anywhere close to $3,000,000 a year. Coaches salaries are like CEO's: they've skyrocketed completely out of proportion to what the rest of us earn.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
If you disagree with what your paying for, quit going to games.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Jay, what you, "suspect" and what is real may be two different things.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
Look at it like this, this country is starting to lag behind other countries in education but not to worry, we've got the best college football coaches in the world.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
@MichFanTex: You'll forgive Porty. He is pining away for the incompetent that Dave Brandon fired back in January. Little that happens in the Michigan football program will please him. Except, that is, Brady Hoke going 0-12. That will bring a big smile and a barrage of "told ya so" comments Good Night and Good Luck
MichFanTex
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:55 p.m.
Seriously, Karl, what has one to do with the other?
Steve Hendel
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.
"The contract was handled by my agent and the University," Hoke said in a release from the Michigan athletic department Wednesday afternoon. "My focus has been on the football program and will continue to be on making this program the best in America. I couldn't tell you what's in the contract other than my signature." I just don't believe it. People in that rarified atmosphere, money-wise, didn't get there by NOT having a real good idea of what was in any contract they signed, even if they relegate the details to their agent.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
I take a man at his word. Don't you?
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
"I couldn't tell you what's in the contract other than my signature", either Hoke takes us for fools or he's a fool.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:12 p.m.
Steve, Hoke is trying to play it off like he's a, "good ol boy" and that's fine but he better turn this thing around fast and he better beat ohio state fast.
jasna
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
uh-oh, there go the football ticket prices....
DAN
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.
If this is what it takes to pay for football, we may have to sell a golf course to pay him!!! But U of m resorts to raising ticket prices,fees, and tuition and those other usual standbys rather than writing a reasonable coach's contract......
DAN
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
I am aware that the purpose of the university is education!
MichFanTex
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
You are aware that patrons generally pay more to see winning teams than they do losing teams, aren't you? And you are aware that no University of Michigan Football coach has a salary subsidized by tuition, fees, and other standbys, correct? I mean, you are aware that the Michigan football program brings in enough revenue (people paying to watch football and buying paraphernalia associated with the Michigan team) that it subsidizes every other sport except perhaps basketball, aren't you?
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
Dan, what's happened here is Mich. is trying to keep up with Joneses.
Nikki River
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
The pity is that ANYONE makes that much money for a job that thousands of people do for free just for the fun of it. Come on, Brady ... how about a nice $40 grand and we'll name a building after you?
Kafkaland
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
I wonder if we'll hear sentiments like missionbrazil's ("It doesn't do any good to compare what a football coach earns compared to what teachers or others earn ... whether right or wrong, the market is what it is.") the next time we discuss salaries for university presidents, star faculty, etc., or if we somehow have a different standard when it comes to football coaches.
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
I missed that conversation about university presidents, law school professors,... I do agree that when you start comparing the salaries of football coaches versus presidents, professors, and administrators, there does seem to be an imbalance in place.
Kafkaland
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
I agree - I don't know the market for football coaches. But apparently everyone here knows the market for university presidents, law school professors, or school board superintendants, or we wouldn't regularly hear here how overpaid they are...
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
Kafkaland, whatever it is you do for a living, I wouldn't expect that you would accept a salary that is well below the norm for the market ... so why should Coach Hoke ? Feel free to discuss all you want, but I doubt that you will have an impact on what the market is for college football coaches. Right or wrong, I doubt that you are going to change it ... but have at it if you want to try.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
Stick around Kafkaland, you'll hear a lot of that nonsense.
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
The last coach we had (can't seem to remember his name) cost us $ 2.3+ million per Big Ten win. Coach Hoke is going to seem like a steal compared to that. It doesn't do any good to compare what a football coach earns compared to what teachers or others earn ... whether right or wrong, the market is what it is. Coach Hoke is going to be very good for the U of M. Go Blue !
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
Portage, so I'm interested in your opinion ... do you think BH will cost more or less than $2.3+ million per Big Ten win ? What do you think ?
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
Well, we'll see if that holds water when he actually head coaches a game at Michigan.
A2comments
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
Someone pointed out that $4k is needed if you've seen the MDen prices. Quite funny. I wish you could Reply to a Reply... Someone questioned why someone who makes that kind of money needs a clothing allowance. Look at businesses like newscasters that have allowances. They want the coach to look a certain way, and by giving him the money for that purpose they know he will look that way. Further, instead of the coach having to pay taxes on that, he can say he's required to wear a specific kind of clothing, witness the allowance for that purpose, and then write-off the cost of the clothing against the allowance, thereby avoiding some taxes I believe.
paul wiener
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Nauseating, contemptible news, makes a sham of virtually everything to do with higher education, college sports, state educational funding, and the quality of U of M leadership in particular.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
Paul, and then some.
loco123
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
Reasons why Hoke's contract should be compared to the over-benefitted teachers' contracts: 1. Hoke can actually be fired. (Aren't all the RR Haters glad about that) 2. Hoke doesn't get pension and health care for life for him, his wife, kids, dogs and cats. 3. He will be very well dressed in his snappy $4k worth of new tube socks and coaching shorts 4. UM's football program probably brings in about $100 million each year between ticket sales, concessions, parking, donations, TV rights, apparel, etc. This money provides lots of scholarships for other sports. With state budget cuts, a few more wins a season may be worth $10 - $15 million and much needed $$.
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
Every teacher would be glad to get fired if it involved an $8,000,000 buyout. (That's 160 years worth of teacher's salary @ the $50,000 per year avg in Michigan) Top football coaches are like CEOs. Sure, it's tough to make it to the top. But once you're there you make more in a year or two than many people do in a lifetime. And as RichRod showed us there's little accountability. Three lousy years and he made how many millions?
grye
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
But you are forgetting that teachers actually prepare kids for a future employment through various fundamentals of education (of course the kids have to want to learn and they need their parent's support to make the program successful). The football coach prepares these bigger kids to play football and try to win games. A couple may make the pros. I would say all the other teachers in the public school system and the university professors have a much more responsible task.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.
After a career in the military nothing a human being does surprises me.
treetowncartel
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
Aren't we relying on teachers to educate our youth to run our country when we are old and senile?
Terry Star21
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.
What....I sincerely hope there are more incentives, shoe, TV deals, etc. - we got this fine educator and coach for a steal ! Just like the University, to skimp on paying the new leader of America's best college football program - 4th best head coaching pay in the Big Ten....what an outrage ! This salary is just disappointing - good thing this fine man loves Michigan, and came here because he wants to be here. I say the President and all those administrators sitting around contribute a large sum of their over paid salaries. Pay this educator/coach his worth and bring him up to line with other college football coaches !
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
Okay Terry, what's the punch line?
1st Down
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Sweet! Congrats to Brady...my man. Its going to take a lot to clean up the mess left by the previous regime, and rebuilding a program is not easy...however it is very encouraging to see the progress in recruiting so far, along with the videos coming out of practice which stress fundamentals, not chest-bumps and flash. Hoke is IT. This IS Michigan. Go Blue!
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
Portage ... Coach Hoke cleaning up whatshisname's mess with whatshisname's recruits ... you just unknowingly made whatshisname, your hero, look even worse. Good job.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.
Indeed, he will be cleaning the former incompetent's mess with the former incompetent's players. And the MCC insisted that that we should accept the incompetent's 3-9 record because he was using players he did not recruit and adapting them into a new system. And most of us did. And then the MCC insisted that we should accept the incompetent's 5-7 record and late-season collapse because he was using players he did not recruit and adapting them into a new system. And most of us did. But the NCAA probation combined with a defensive disaster combined with three straight 0-fer seasons against MSU/PSU/OSU was too much to stomach. So, yes, Hoke will have to use the players recruited by the former incompetent in order to clean up the former incompetent's mess. Something the former incompetent was never going to so. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
Funny thing is, hoke will be cleaning up the mess with Rich Rodriguez recruits.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Like I said, you can slice it any way you want.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
"Hold on to your panties, the next 2-3 years will be determined in part by the kids that Rich Rodriguez recruited and you can slice that any way you want." And the MCC need to keep their Depends in place. Because clearly the cheating incompetent who was here clearly could not coach these kids into a team that could beat anyone other than Big Ten bottom feeders and the occasional MAC team. So its going to be fun to watch the MCC go through the intellectual somersaults necessary claim any Hoke success for whatshisname and while disparaging any failure as being purely Hoke's. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:12 p.m.
Hold on to your panties, the next 2-3 years will be determined in part by the kids that Rich Rodriguez recruited and you can slice that any way you want.
Snehal
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
I think this is the only job where you stand to gain more by getting fired! So, there is no penalty for losing any games. Just miss the bonus, get fired and retire nicely!
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Snehal: I agree. There seems to be a win-win or maybe it would be more correct, no loser-no loser, in today's coaching contracts. Most probably has to do with lawyers fees.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
Snehal, there just wern't any more Bo's on standby so Michigan is just going for broke on this one hoping for the best.
Forever27
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
That's a lot of money to pay for a coach with a losing record.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
PLB If he had won more games than he lost he would still have the job. Instead he cost the University of Michigan about $20 MILLION in three years and the football program is under probation for the first time EVER. And WE'RE bashers that hurt the program?!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.
I rest my case. Couldn't have said it better myself. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
Only the bashers that I feel have hurt the Mich. program as a whole. I don't think the bashers gave a hoot one way or the other I think for the most part they, the bashers found it entertaining to undermine the program. You see, I am not particularly happy about the choice of Brady however, I will support him in losses as well as wins be the losses many.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
"Portage, you have some skills sir ... you bash others as you call them the bashers. Nice." It's one of the MCC's few talents. Bash the coach four years gone. Bash the current coach. Bash former Michigan players. Bash great Michigan fans. Pine away for the former incompetent. Proclaim themselves the only true Michigan fans. Bizarre logic, that. But typical of the MCC. Good Night and Good Luck
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:47 p.m.
Portage, you have some skills sir ... you bash others as you call them the bashers. Nice. Go BH ! Go Blue !
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Mission, a quick lesson in, what is a basher. It's a supposed Mich. fan that does not support their coach because he is not appealing to them hence they are not a fan of Mich. but rather a basher. I suspect many of you bashers would abandon ship should Brady fair poorly hence a basher. Don't think for one minute that you bashers didn't hurt the program the last 4 years but of course, you bashers know you hurt the Mich. program it was you intention.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
Thanks Tp I will.
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
Portage, where is all of the "bashing" of Forever27 ? Maybe I missed something. You sound like you are a "hater" of anyone that didn't like whatshisname. Go BH ! Go Blue !
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
27 (sorry, nothing last forever) I don't know of any "bashers" but anyone who can understand simple facts such as the annual BIG MAC Fest at a the Big Ten school near you can see the truth in 1st Downs post. Hoke-a-maniac is a nice term, I will use it in the future. Feel free to use TiM. Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
Forever, careful how you insinuate Hoke's value its a sure guarantee the Rich Rodriguez haters will come out of the woodwork to bash you.
Forever27
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
@1st Down, you make a compelling and encouraging point. Don't mistake my cynicism for distrust or dislike of Hoke. I'm not quite a "Hoke-a-maniac", but I do have faith.
1st Down
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.
Macrifice - Mac games where an overmatched opponent schedules vs. 2 tough non conference schools every year. Aka "Ball State vs. Michigan" or "Ohio vs. The other school in Ohio" etc. Hoke was 1-17 in those TOUGH Macrific games. Take those away and look at his record in conference and you will see a much more competitive record. Go Blue.
Forever27
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
@Mike, he better. Otherwise the Michigan Man Mafia will take him down. Oh wait, he's one of their own. Never mind, he's safe.
MikeB
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
He is 0-0 at Michigan, I suspect he will have a winning record in the upcoming season
K32
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5 p.m.
Wow, disgusting! And just what I'd expect!
MichFanTex
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
Your green complexion is very becoming.
Peter Jameson
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.
Seems like a low offer for that market.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
I was wondering why my ticket prices went up so much this year. Well, you can't argue against pay for performance. What is Brady's head coaching record so far at Michigan? Oh, never mind. I truely do hope the guy succeeds, but this seems a little over the top with all the cuts and everything else. It certainly is a little tone deaf to the educuation budget etc., ...and before everybody gets thier panties in a bunch, yes, I know the athletic department is self funding. It does say University of Michigan on the uniform though.
MichFanTex
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
If you feel Hoke is overpaid you can always forgo subsidizing his salary. Don't go to the games, don't watch games on TV, and don't buy any UM paraphernalia. It's really that simple.
Terminal
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
Just another example of the redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top.
David Vande Bunte
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
These players get free educations, free room and board, and the opportunity to showcase their skills to NFL scouts. Not buying the redistribution crap at all. The players have the choice to play college football or not, they have the choice to choose which school they go to, they have the choice to either bust their butts working hard at it or not. Nobody forces these players do to anything. Further, their time playing football at a college university is like an extended job interview with the NFL. To suggest that what they get pales in comparison to what they generate is ridiculous. People don't fill up Michigan stadium to watch any particular player. They fill up Michigan stadium to watch MICHIGAN. The individual players are irrelevant, since they come and go so quickly. If Denard Robinson gets hurt and cant play, I will simply root for Devin Gardner instead. When both of those QBs graduate or enter the NFL draft, I will root for whoever succeeds them at the position as well. Just as I have done for the past 20 plus years. But, why is it only limited to the high profile skills players? Nobody ever wants to talk about how much money the kicker brings to the program, or the backup lineman. Are they not members of the team as well? Do they not wear the same jersey colors as the QBs, WRs and RBs? Why doesn't anyone talk about them? Oh, I know. Because once you add them to the equation, the whole "players generate all the money" argument falls completely flat. Nobody goes to a Michigan game to watch the punter except the punter's family.
northside
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
MichFanTex perhaps you don't follow college football very closely ... ... but the lone real route to the NFL, minus a tiny number of exceptions, is through the NCAA. And the players freedom is tightly restricted. The result of those tight restrictions is great financial benefit to coaches, universities, the NCAA, and the BCS. In other words, upward transfer of wealth.
Terminal
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
Because it perpetuates the business backed false notion that it takes boatloads of money to get talent like CEO's, city administrators and college coaches.. Who perpetuates that myth? Why the CEO's administrates, college presidents and CEO's! I mean, this is college ball and now college coaches are millionaires with golden parachutes?
MichFanTex
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
Sorry, Karl, those players can shop their wares wherever they want. CFL, Europe, they can even wait around for an NFL team to draft them. However, they have little to no wealth, and in anycase, none of what they do have is paying any coach.
northside
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 12:59 a.m.
MFT the core of the game, players, are prevented from shopping their services to the highest bidder. Yeah they get a scholarship but that's nothing compared to the revenues they help bring in. Coaches, schooks, the NCAA, and the BCS make a boatload of cash. That's redistribution in an upward direction.
MichFanTex
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.
Please do explain, you're a lot smarter than you think. Let go of the emotive rhetoric and illustrate why this is a redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top.
tater
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
I think he deserves more. I didn't agree with the hire, but Brady Hoke is now the Head Football Coach at the University of Michigan, and deserves to be one of the five highest-paid coaches in college football. Michigan has the biggest stadium and the largest attendance. If they want to be a top five program, they should pay their coach accordingly. And if they think Hoke isn't worth a top-five salary, then they should find someone they think is worth paying that much. Since Hoke has the job now, he deserves five years to get the job done, just as RR did or as Gary Moeller did at Illinois. I am assuming that his Carr-tel membership will get him those five years. Consequently, it's time for DB to stop expecting Hoke to give him the "Michigan discount" and pony up an elite salary for an elite coaching position and the responsibilities thereof. I think an average salary of $5 million or $6 million would be more appropriate.
Lehigh
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
I'm confused -- how does $.3M + $1.7M + retention bonus of $.5M add up too $3.25M per year? Yes, his apparel/appearance bit goes up by $.1M per year, but that still doesn't get to $3.25M. Or is AA.com assuming Hoke wins the Big 10 championship game every year?
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Lehigh, don't try to dice it, keep it simple, Brady Hoke is making a fist full of money and hasn't coached a down as head coach at a major University.
ferdcom
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
You're right. I think the numbers include potential post season game bonuses. Without those, average is less than $3M per year. I think they included the one million buyout paid.
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Will the outrage shown on this site a few days ago over UM's President making six figures be matched by this reminder that the football coach makes seven?
northside
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
But the 'profit center' does not exist without what you call the 'cost center.' Take away the 40,000 student university, the subsidized facilities ($226 million for those renovations, right?), and a 'labor force' (aka, players) that are expected to work for free and the basis for the coaches high salary isn't here.
MichFanTex
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
MSC is essentially in charge of a cost center, Hoke is in charge of a profit center. You figure out what the means you might have an understanding about salary levels.
northside
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
I'm a big football fan and understand the revenue argument. While Mary Sue Coleman's salary isn't as clearly revenue related she is in charge of overseeing the athletic program, right? Selecting the AD and being involved in coach hiring decisions? And that's in addition to a few other responsibilities, aka running one of the nation's largest and best schools. And like the football coach if she doesn't do a good job, over the long haul ... All I'm saying is that some of the same crowd complaining about her salary a few days ago (700K?) are applauding the 3+ million being given to the football coach.
A2comments
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
The football program brings in something like $100m a year. Brandon seems to have put together a good contract. If you were Brady Hoke, wouldn't you want some assurance that they wouldn't fire you like they did RR, and the amount goes down every year like it should. MSC isn't paid with revenues that leave a profit. Big difference.
Ralph
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
Whatever the market is willing to pay! And we complain about teacher salaries!
unidled
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
UGH! We will rue the day we did this.
RWBill
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
I would also walk from San Diego to A2 for that contract.
tracyann
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Wow. Apparently, I'm going into the wrong line of work. Hopefully he can work some magic, but even if he doesn't and gets fired he still gets $8 mill. Yep, public school teachers make too much but no amount is too high for a college football coach.
Dusty
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 6:59 a.m.
Are you people really bagging on somebody who thinks teachers are underpaid? Think about that for just a moment.
tracyann
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
Whoa, easy there, guys. Have I touched a nerve? LOL! I never said I thought teachers are underpaid, nor am I going into the teaching profession. I just posted an observation. And for the record, I am a Michigan student about to graduate and a Wolverines fan. I'm glad they got Hoke. I hope he can do a lot more for the team than Rich Rod ever did.
northside
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
I can't believe anyone would think of college football as a free market system. If it was a free market the players would also be able to shop their services to the highest bidder, right? (insert Cam Newton joke here) And not have to sit out a year if they want to switch to another school? Players being restricted in earnings and movement contributes greatly to the coaches salary. If if was a free market system we wouldn't see the cartels that are the major conferences and the BCS, right? This enhances revenues for some 'companies' but systematically cuts out others.
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
They found Brady Hoke, can't be that hard to find coaches.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:59 p.m.
To add to that, there are far fewer people who are capable of successfully running a major university's football team. Its about supply and demand. There are hundreds of thousands of teachers, how many good football coaches? When you are in a very select group of people that can do what you do, you get paid appropriately. Pro athletes get paid huge sums of money because unlike you, they can actually play their chosen sport at a professional level, which makes them valuable. There are 119 Division IA/FBS universities that field a football team. There are over 300 million people in the United States. Only 119 people out of 300,000,000+ coaching that job at that level, and you are complaining that they are overpaid? If everyone could do what they do, as well as they do, they wouldn't be paid nearly so well.
evenyoubrutus
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
Wow Tracyann, seriously? You pay a coach because he brings money in for your organization. Yes, he gets paid millions. And if they went and hired some high school coach and paid him $50k a year, Michigan football would suck and then nobody would go to the games, boosters would stop donating, and Michigan would lose millions and millions of dollars which would lead to them having to cancel their other varsity sports like swimming and gymnastics because they are supported by the football revenue, and all those scholarship athletes at non-revenue sports would lose their scholarships. All because of you folks who think it's "unfair" that someone gets paid millions to do something that not very many can do. Thanks a lot. And somehow this is the highest rated comment here.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.
agreed with Marshall Applewhite. Considering that successful college football programs like the University of Michigan's generate enough money to pay for not only their entire expenditures, including the coaching staff, but also enough to pretty much fund that university's entire athletic department, comparing big time collegiate football coaches to teachers is simply asinine. They MAKE money for their employer.
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
Hoke is paid for with ticket and apparel sales. If you believe teachers are underpaid, it might be wise to come up with a way to market your talents to a wide audience(on your own). Then you can make millions as well!
Moscow On The Huron
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Mr Hoke: I always have a comfortable sweat shirt around that I wear all the time - evenings, weekends, and also dress-down days at the office. Last fall when I went to replace it after it got pretty worn out, I couldn't bring myself to buy a Michigan one. I got a Detroit Tigers one instead. I am hoping that you will make me want to buy a Michigan one next time, and to once again have the pride to wear it... even (or especially) down in Ohio. Those of us who grew up around here during the Bo era realize that we have had our expectation sets unrealistically high. I do realize there will never be another Bo, and I don't expect you to be another Bo. But I think it's reasonable, as do a lot of others I have talked with about this, to expect winning seasons and classy behavior from you and the whole team. Now get out there and kick some butt!
Moscow On The Huron
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
Wow.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8 p.m.
Never ever quit on your coach and team because they are down. Character is about sticking by your team and coach when times are lean such as the last 4 years. My disagreement with the Rich Rodriguez haters was that in reality they were nothing but Michigan quiters in disguise as Michigan fans.
Txmaizenblue
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
Great to see Michigan finally pony-up and pay top notch for their head coaching position. Let's just hope we get top-notch results. On a side note - If you making 3.25 mil a year do you really need an apparel allowance?
ArthGuinness
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Apparently you haven't been inside an M Den.
hellofans
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
$4000 apparel allowance, lots of sweat shirts? Hope he can use some influence with Adidas and get rid of the ugly yellow colors Adidas is attempting to call Maize and cram down our throats. Come on Man! Quit trying to be like Oregon and see how brite you can be. We ARE Michigan. Maize and Blue. Bo would roll over in his grave if he saw that UGLY yellow color.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
For everybody who thought DB hired Coach Hoke to save money, I guess you were wrong. Coach Hoke will earn every penny because of the condition of the defense and special teams and the extra pressure to correct things immediately. That's was understood from the start and as the man said, "No excuses"! And none will offered or accepted. Time for Michigan to MAN UP. TiM Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
Darn good post tp, thank god we've got informative boys and girls like you keeping us posted on all the gossip.
hellofans
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
$4000 apparel allowance, lots of sweat shirts? Hope he can use some influence with Adidas and get rid of the ugly yellow colors Adidas is attempting to call Maize and cram down our throats. Come on Man! Quit trying to be like Oregon and see how brite you can be. We ARE Michigan. Maize and Blue. Bo would roll over in his grave if he saw that UGLY yellow color.
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
I didn't realize they got that much money for sports apparel, I guess that's what Rich Rodriguz dumped off for charity on his was out the door.
ferdcom
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Another overpaid executive getting rich off employees working for less than they would get working for McDonald's.
BornInA2
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
This guy came here because this is where he wants to be. Not for the money, not for ego. He's been working for months now on good faith; without a contract? CLASS ACT. Go Hoke, Go Blue.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
In this day and age and in the real world people take jobs for the money. Lots of money buys a lot of, "Good Faith".
ferdcom
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
It's amazing how many people making over a million a year say "It's not for the money". Offer this guy $100,000 and see if he takes the job.
Ignatz
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally hope it's money well spent and he gets the max for all six years.
snoopdog
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 2:02 a.m.
hope and change that is, let's hope he producers better than you know who ! Good Day
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
Ignatz, you just hit the keyword, Hope.