New deal gives Meyer, Utah more security

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 4, 2004 by Dirk Facer Deseret Morning News

Utah football coach Urban Meyer didn't ask for a new contract.

After leading the Utes to their first outright conference title in 46 years, he didn't need to.

The offers came unsolicited following a 10-2 campaign that included Mountain West and Liberty Bowl championships, as well as top 25 recognition and national coach of the year honors from The Sporting News.

Though Mississippi State and alma mater Cincinnati reportedly offered to double Meyer's annual salary, Utah made an offer the 39- year-old couldn't resist -- a restructured deal in a place he wants to raise his family and at the helm of a program committed to providing the resources necessary to win.

"I'm excited to be the head coach at Utah," Meyer said of the six- year deal he signed last week. "I like what the future holds. I love the university and I love the people."

The new agreement, which includes a 25-percent raise that ups Meyer's salary in 2004 to $500,000, is retroactive to Jan. 1 and replaces a five-year agreement he signed when hired on Dec. 11, 2002. It includes annual increases of $25,000 and a one-year contract extension each time the Utes have a winning season and ticket sales equal 2002 levels, the year before he replaced the fired Ron McBride.

"We're excited about what Urban has done with our program and this is a contract that he deserves," said U. athletic director Chris Hill. "We are invested in Urban and his ability to keep our program competitive at the highest level."

Meyer's new contract includes enhancements that could swell to as much as $175,000 in bonuses if Utah is chosen to participate in the Bowl Championship Series. Meyer can earn an extra $100,000 if he remains with the Utes for the initial six years of the agreement.

In the event Meyer departs earlier, he'll have to pay the university $250,000. The penalty is waived, however, should he be hired as the head coach at Michigan, Notre Dame or Ohio State -- a clause that was also included on his original contract.

Meyer, who has the right to alter the list of schools after the 2005 season, can also depart without penalty if Utah's proposed $6 million indoor practice field is not "substantially completed" by 2005.

Meyer said the new 74,000-square-foot practice facility, which has received university approval for construction, is critical for continued success. It'll keep the Utes moving in the right direction, he explained, and serve as a recruiting tool for players. He said the "Bubble" on Guardsman Way has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer functional and is a safety concern.

Replacing the complex is one of many reasons Meyer is optimistic about Utah's future. He's eager to build on the program's growing relationship with the student body and community. Administratively speaking, Meyer is eager to meet with new university president Michael K. Young and is hopeful Hill doesn't end up filling the athletic director vacancy at Washington.

Topping the list, however, are Utah's players and support staff.

"We've got great young men in our program," said Meyer. "And there's no question, (our success) is because of a team effort."

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com