Michigan State coach Tom Izzo would be a popular choice. He has won a national title and been to four Final Fours with the Spartans, including 1999 and 2005, when his team defeated UK in the Elite Eight. But he reportedly earned more than $7 million last season in salary and bonuses and is a Michigan native, so he might be strongly motivated to stay.
I guess I knew he was well paid, but $7 mil!? I think its safe to assume we can scratch him off UK's list, which should also eliminate the heavily floated Izzo to UK, Crean to MSU scenario.
Wow! That would make him one of the highest paid in the biz, and I tend to doubt that..., at least in salary and bonuses. Total income might be near there w/ his 'sneaker-juice', tv shows, radio shows, endorsements, etc.
I think its time to ask...is MSU getting its money's worth? I mean 7 mil for a 2nd round loss and a middle of the pack B11 finish? I think its time for them to move on. ::)
I've seen other mentions about Izzo getting a one-time "loyalty" bonus of about $5 Million from MSU, so that might be part of it. That would mean his salary next year might go back to around $2 Million.
Izzo compensation breakdown...
2006 Salary $1,798,964
2006 Bonus $5,800,000 (part of a $9.8 million bonus package through 2010. 2006 bonus pay was for "recognition of national championship and three Final Fours." He will pocket an additional $4 million if he's still the MSU coach on April 30, 2010.)
2006 Nike pay $300,000 (w/additional $25,000 merchandise credit)
Misc income from local endorsements, tv/radio shows.
Based on these numbers, I doubt he's going anywhere any time soon.
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