Dantonio, staff rewarded for success

Published 7:12 am Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Former Dowagiac standout Mark Staten coaches the offensive line for Michigan State. (Leader photo/File)

Former Dowagiac standout Mark Staten coaches the offensive line for Michigan State. (Leader photo/File)

The success of the Michigan State football program under the direction of Mark Dantonio has not gone unnoticed.

Dantonio, who is 36-5 over the past three seasons with a pair of Big Ten Championships, signed a revised contract it was announced by Spartan Athletic Director Mark Hollis and MSU President Lou Anna K, Simon Friday.

Under the turns of the new contract, Dantonio salary will increase for $3.67 million to $4.3 million and remains a six-year roll over deal.

Here is the annual breakdown of his annual compensation:

• $2,264,480 base compensation

• $1,000,000 supplemental compensation

• $700,000 contingent annual bonus

• $185,520 benefits

• $100,000 Nike shoe/apparel agreement

• $50,000 guaranteed performance incentives

“With three-straight Top 10 finishes and two Big Ten Championships during that same period, Mark Dantonio and his coaching staff have built an elite football program,” Hollis said. “Michigan State’s football brand has never been stronger. We’re so excited about the future of our football program under Mark’s leadership and direction.

“The amended contract and enhanced compensation reflect his and his coaching staff’s value in the current marketplace. These updated figures ensure that Mark and his assistants remain in the upper tier of the Big Ten.

“Mark and his staff have created a winning culture as well as an environment that encourages current and future student-athletes to pursue excellence in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field. It’s obvious that Mark and his assistants are committed to building relationships that will last well beyond their four- or five-year college experience.”

Hollis also announced that approximately $250,000 has also been allocated to increase the salaries of the Spartan assistant coaches.

Here are the assistant coaches salaries, including contingent annual bonuses):

• co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Dave Warner – $447,184

• assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett – $437,434

• co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Jim Bollman – $437,434

• co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Mike Tressel – $437,434

• quarterbacks coach/recruiting coordinator Brad Salem – $337,686

• offensive line coach Mark Staten – $337,686

• defensive line coach Ron Burton – $327,687

• wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel – $327,687

• linebackers/special teams coach Mark Snyder – $327,687

“With a berth in the College Football Playoff this past season, coach Dantonio has again shown his excellence in building a nationally prominent football program,” Simon said. “He is an outstanding leader committed to MSU’s values who empowers his players to become the best Spartans they can be, whether on the field, in the classroom or as part of the MSU community.”

Dantonio knows that it is important to retain as many coaches as possible in order to continue to build upon the tradition of excellence at Michigan State.

“The University remains committed to providing all of the tools necessary to sustain a championship-caliber football program,” Dantonio said. “I wish to thank president Simon, Mark Hollis, the board of trustees and the entire administration for their trust, loyalty and support.

“Coaching staff continuity remains extremely important for the long-term success of our football program. We have had outstanding coaches and support personnel, who have been committed to having a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes. Coaching is teaching, and our coaches do it as well as anyone in the country. We’re excited about what our program has accomplished over the last nine years — the last three seasons in particular. We truly believe the best is yet to come. We will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our program.”