U-M coordinator Greg Mattison can earn up to $900K annually
Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News staff writer
During his search for a new football coach, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said the program always has been "kind of the middle of the pack" when it comes to salaries.
While the contract for new coach Brady Hoke has not yet been released by university officials — Brandon said Thursday the details will be finalized soon — the salaries for Hoke's assistants were released to the Associated Press.
Most notable was defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's contract. He will be paid $750,000 annually with a chance for a bonus of up to $150,000 if the Wolverines win the Big Ten. Mattison, 61, who spent the last two seasons as defensive coordinator for the NFL's Ravens, is the Big Ten's highest-paid assistant.
"We're not messing around," Brandon told The News when asked about Mattison's contract. "I am sure he's the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the Big Ten, and I have to believe he is also one of the highest-paid in the country.
"It's a unique situation. (Mattison's) someone who had a successful situation in the NFL coordinating what is thought of as one of the most talented defenses in the NFL. Greg brings to us a wealth of experience and a resume that's impressive."
Offensive coordinator Al Borges will make $350,000 a year, receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski will make $225,000 and the other assistants will make $200,000 apiece.
Last season, offensive coordinator Calvin Magee was Michigan's highest-paid assistant coach under Rich Rodriguez. Magee made $285,000.
Rodriguez was fired after three seasons.
Brandon said he had no problem upping the salaries of Michigan's football coaches.
"I have great respect for the marketplace, and you pay for value," Brandon said. "We are blessed to have one of the largest football programs in the country. We should be able to pay to attract the best and talented coaches available."
And paying Mattison such a substantial salary, Brandon believes, is worth the investment.
Mattison inherits a defense that was among the nation's worst last season. The Wolverines were 110th in total defense (450.77 yards), 108th in scoring defense (35.23 points) and 112th in passing defense (261.85). Michigan was last in the Big Ten in all three categories.
When Mattison was defensive coordinator at Michigan in 1995 and 1996, the Wolverines allowed an average 17.2 points (1995) and 15.3 (1996).
The Ravens defense was No. 3 in the NFL in 2009 and No. 10 last season.
"To put it politely, we have a lot of room for improvement (on defense)," Brandon said.
As far as Hoke's contract, Brandon said they are "close."
"It's not a top priority," Brandon said. "Neither one of us is worried about it. I would say this is a low-maintenance, easy process, and neither one of us is preoccupied with it."
Photo caption: Greg Mattison was defensive coordinator at Michigan in the 1990s. (Rob Carr / Associated Press)
