Board of Regents approves compensation package for Andersen

Andersen led UW to Capital One Bowl in 2013

MADISON, Wis. — Monday, the UW Board of Regents approved an adjusted compensation package for head football coach Gary Andersen. The package calls for Andersen to make $2.2-million in 2014 and receive a $100,000 pay raise each year of the five-year deal. 

The increase will not be funded with tax or tuition dollars.

 “I first began to consider an adjustment to Coach Andersen’s compensation package toward the end of the 2013 season,” Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said. “I felt then, and now, that he did an excellent job not only with the team’s on-field performance, but also in developing a program that puts the student-athletes first in all aspects. He has quickly become someone that Badger fans have rallied around and identified with.

“Then some weeks later, as has been reported, the Cleveland Browns approached Coach Andersen about their vacant head coaching position. Gary did not ask directly or even imply that his salary should be increased, but that only re-affirmed my thoughts about adjusting his compensation.

 “I’ve always believed that we should do what we can to keep good coaches in our department and that is why I wanted to take this proactive approach with Coach Andersen.”

In Andersen’s first year as head coach, Wisconsin went 9-4 and lost to South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl.