EAST LANSING, Mich. — Newly hired Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker will make more than $5 million per year with a chance for six-figure performance bonuses.
Tucker’s six-year contract pays him an annual base salary of $3.8 million from the university. He will also receive $1.2 million each year for making media appearances, contracts for footwear and apparel, and appearances made on behalf of MSU.
The school’s apparel supplier, currently Nike, will pay him $100,000 a year. If he remains in the head coach position for 12 continuous months before July 1, he will get a $400,000 retention bonus from MSU.
In total, Tucker is guaranteed an annual salary of $5.5 million — more than double his salary at Colorado. He is among the 12 highest-paid coaches nationally according to a list of salaries compiled by USA Today.
MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo, who has been with the school since 1995, makes over $4 million a year.
Performance bonuses for Tucker include:
- $25,000 for being named Big Ten Coach of the Year
- $50,000 for being named National Coach of the Year
- $75,000 if MSU plays a bowl game
- $100,000 for winning Big Ten division title
- $100,000 for winning Big Ten championship game
- $125,000 for appearing in a non-College Football Playoff bowl game as the Big Ten’s No. 3 or 4 team
- $250,000 for playing in CFP non-semifinal bowl game
- $275,000 for playing in CFP
- $300,000 for appearing in CFP Championship
- $375,000 for winning national title
Other benefits of his contract include season tickets to multiple MSU sports, the use of a private plane for his family and friends, and two vehicles.
His contract also says MSU will pay for or reimburse Tucker for a country club membership at a club of his choosing.
If Tucker decides to leave the school for another coaching job before Jan. 15, 2021, he will owe MSU $6 million. Damages decrease with each year.
