NMSU uses creative financing to retain top coaches

Following historic basketball and football seasons, New Mexico State’s athletic director released the long-awaited news about the salary increases for the head coaches in both sports.

“We wanted to do as best as we could with a limited amount of funds,” said Mario Moccia, the school’s athletic director.

The university’s restructuring of the athletic department’s debt allowed the department to pay Martin tens of thousands more than previously possible. Private donors were significant players in the restructuring of Coach Jans’ contract.

“It was critical that we didn’t have to dip into existing operational moneys,” Moccia said.

Football Coach Doug Martin signed his contract for $419,640 for the 2018-2019 season, with incremental increases to a $437,000 salary over four years. Martin previously made $364,000.

“Continuity is critical in the sport of football,” Moccia said, later adding “You can see the maturation of Doug Martin’s team.”

Basketball Coach Chris Jans is expected to sign his contract of $270,000 for the 2018-2019 season, with incremental increases to a $290,000 salary over four years. He previously made $250,000. However, Jans will receive an additional $159,000 in incentive pay for coaching that season. He will get an additional $139,000 on top of his base salary for every additional year he coaches.

The incremental payments for Coach Jans are funded by private donors and the university’s debt restructuring program, Moccia said.

“With Coach Jans being our third head coach in three years, we felt it was critical in order to maintain some continuity in an effort to maintain our success,” Moccia said.

Both contracts are pending the approval of Chancellor Dan Arvizu, who is expected to sign them when he returns to town on Monday.

Martin asked to pay his assistant coaches $60,000 that would have gone to his own salary, Moccia said.

“It shows his character,” Moccia said.

The university’s first football game is August 25th against the University of Wyoming.

“We do carry a chip-on-your-shoulder mentality,” Moccia said, adding “I firmly believe you have to have that at this school in order to be successful.”