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University of Minnesota Athletics
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SIGNS GOLDEN GOPHER FOOTBALL COACH
6/16/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
| Listen to Coach Mason's press conference The University of Minnesota and Golden Gopher Football Coach Glen Mason today announced a long term contract agreement, effective today through Dec. 31, 2006. |
"We are enormously pleased with this agreement which reflects Coach Mason's contributions both on and off the field," said President Yudof. "This mutual commitment between the University of Minnesota and Glen Mason underscores our commitment to building a championship team that will make Minnesotans proud. This contract is fair and consistent with the market for top Division I coaches. We've also negotiated key provisions regarding termination and payment of deferred compensation that are in the public interest. The result is good for the university, the state, Coach Mason and our student-athletes."
In 1999 Mason took the Golden Gophers to their first bowl game in 13 years with an overall record of 8-4, the program's best since 1967. Minnesota ranked as high as No. 12 in the Associated Press (AP) poll last season, its highest ranking since 1962 when the team ranked No. 10. The Golden Gophers finished the season ranked No. 17 in the ESPN/USA Today poll and No. 18 in the AP poll.
The seven-year contract outlines coaching duties and includes a $635,000 annual salary and an annual media guarantee for providing broadcast services starting at $325,000 in year one. Consistent with Division I-A football coaches, the contract contains annual incentive compensation ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 for student athletes' academic success, bowl appearances and finishing fourth or higher in the Big 10. During Mason's tenure at the university, 90 percent of Golden Gopher football players finishing their eligibility have graduated. The contract provides incentives for achieving graduation rates within the football program that exceed the average undergraduate graduation rate on the Twin Cities campus.
"The job of head coach has many layers of responsibility," Mason said. "First and foremost there is the tea--the student-athletes here at the university. There is also a wider responsibility to the University of Minnesota because the team I coach is just part of what it takes to make a great educational institution. I also believe that as a coach, I serve the community as a whole. Like my student-athletes, I represent our state and that is why I am involved with groups and organizations that are equally committed to making Minnesota a better place to live, work and raise a family."
The contract's deferred compensation package includes incentives for fulfilling the duration of the contract and does not fully vest until 2006. To safeguard the university, the contract also specifies conditions under which deferred compensation will not be paid or will be paid at a reduced amount. It also defines criteria constituting termination for just cause and termination without just cause by both parties.
