WVU’s Top 12 Headlines Of 2012: #4-6

 #6 Coach Dana Holgorsen Given Contract Extension

Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen instructs his team against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. West Virginia defeated Iowa State 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Athletic Director Oliver Luck signed Dana Holorsen to a six year contract this August, an extension and raise from the term sheet he had been working under.  This agreement came after Holgorsen was elevated to head coach a year early and led the team to a Big East Championship and Orange Bowl victory in his first season as a head coach.  Terms of the contract include:

• $2.3 million base salary (up from $1.725 million)
• Annual raises of $200,000 and $100,000 throughout the life of the contract
• Maximum of $600,000 in incentives, including $200,000 for a Big 12 title, $250,000 for a national title, and $50,000 for a top 10 finish.
• $2,000,000 buyout if Holgorsen leaves before the end of the contract

It’s certainly good to see Holgorsen given a long term contract and compensation comparable to other Big 12 programs, but the $2 million buyout number is low.  We all know that number will keep no one from moving.

I think Holgorsen will turn out to be a great coach.  This was an up and down season, and that 5 game losing streak and weak defense made all of us a little nervous about Holgorsen, but it’s good to see that he’s already taken steps to correct the defense by firing secondary coach Daron Roberts, demoting Joe DeForest, and giving Keith Patterson control of the defense.  Even though this year was painful for us, I think Holgorsen learned many valuable lessons on how to be a head coach and they will pay dividends down the road.

The other big question is how long will he stick around?  Well, I think he’s here for the long haul.  He genuinely seems to like it here and his personality fits in with the state and the University.  Oliver Luck has shown Holgorsen a commitment to making sure WVU has excellent facilities and all of the tools Holgorsen needs to win.  In my opinion, we don’t need to worry about Holgorsen going anywhere for a while.  Luck and Holgorsen make a great team and will bring us a lot of excitement in the years to come.