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The Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a new five-year compensation package for head football coach Gary Andersen on Monday, the program announced. Andersen will make $2.2 million in 2014, with a $100,000 increase following in each of the subsequent four years.
Overall, Andersen's pay increase for 2014 amounts to $300,000, as the second-year coach was previously expected to make $1.9 million. According to the statement released by the university, the increase will not be funded with tax or tuition dollars.
Earlier in the offseason, Andersen was contacted by the Cleveland Browns regarding their then-vacant head coaching position in the NFL. The Browns ultimately hired Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine on Jan. 23, and their contact with Andersen wasn't made known until nearly a month later. At that time, both Andersen and athletic director Barry Alveraz reaffirmed Andersen's commitment to Wisconsin.
On Monday, the same was reiterated in a statement released by the university.
"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."
Andersen is entering his second year with the Badgers after a 9-4 2013 season culminated in a Capital One Bowl loss to South Carolina.