The average salary for an Athletics Director at the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA) top tier schools is $450,000 with at least six making more than $1 million, according to a recent USA TODAY analysis. Since August 2010 at least 10 public schools have rewarded their Athletics Directors with pay raises above $75,000 or more.

The USA TODAY analysis notes these Athletics Directors at the top NCAA schools are responsible for $100 million budgets as well as licencing and media deals several times that and manage multibillion dollar facilities.

Interestingly some “A-List” CEOs have been attracted to Athletic Director roles, including one former multinational CEO, Dave Brandon who previously worked at Domino’s Pizza overseeing a $6billion budget and 180,000 worldwide employees. His pay as Domino’s Pizza CEO was reportedly $4.2 million, including stock, options and incentives. As Athletics Director at the University of Michigan, Brandon’s pay is $700,454, less than some of his employees including Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Greg Mattison, who earns $750,000. And just in case you may have been feeling sorry for Brandon having accepted a lower salary, he still receives $350,000 a year in cash and stock as Domino’s non-executive chairman and several hundred thousand more for serving on the boards of three other companies.

Louisville Athletics Director, Tom Jurich is guaranteed $1.4 million during his 2011-12 contract year as part of his current deal that runs through to July 26, 2023. The 16 year deal is the longest term in the NCAA system for a program aided by the university’s contractually mandated financial support. The Louisville athletic program, according to USA TODAY, received more than $8.5 million in direct support, indirect facilities administration support and student fees in 2009-10 while generating more than $54.9 million.

While these salary levels make interesting reading, they are dwarfed by the salary levels of some of the basketball coaches, like Tom Izzo (Michigan State Coach) who reportedly earns $3 million a year.

You get what you pay for is best summed up in Dave Brandon’s comment, “People who have talent and bring something significant to the party expect to be paid fairly. I have no problem stepping up and paying talent for what they deserve.”

Wise words indeed.

RM - Sportspeople Recruitment
First Published 2014

Source - USA TODAY, International Edition Friday October 7, 2011 “Athletics Directors cashing in, too” By Jodi Upton and Steve Berkowitz.