Athletic department still paying Mason, Monson and Brewster

The possibility of dishing out extensions in Minnesota has been hindered greatly by multiple failures in recent history.  The athletic department is still paying money to three former coaches, and the Gophers still owe money to the University of North Carolina.

“That’s becoming a lot of money right now,” Athletic Director Norwood Teague said.

Nov 16, 2012; Long Beach, CA, USA; Long Beach State 49ers head coach Dan Monson reacts during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Walter Pyramid. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

In a Q&A interview with 1500 ESPN, the Minnesota athletic director, explained that there is more money being lost to former coaches.  He also talked about the exceeding expectations of current head coaches.

Within the discussion, Teague was asked about the money that is still being paid to former coaches at the university.

Glen Mason, Tim Brewster, and Don Monson are all still receiving money from the Gophers. In total, the athletic department is forking out $500,000 a year collectively through 2017.

“Right now, we’re paying Glen, Brewster, and Monson about $500,000 a year collectively until 2017. That comes out to about $2.5 million (total). That was the one thing with Jerry and the North Carolina buyout. We have to give him some room to build this thing. We can’t afford to have somebody in a buyout situation — someone we’d pay $800,000 a year until 2017. That was a part of the finances there. I should’ve said that earlier and been more upfront about it. It was one of the big things that into the equation with the North Carolina deal.”

With $2.5 million going to former coaches and an additional $800,000 going to the University of North Carolina, the program is trying to be careful with its money.

Brewster received $600,000 from his contract buyout in 2010, while Glen Mason was awarded $2.2 million.  In addition, both coaches received deferred compensation that rolls through 2017.

Finally, Monson, the former basketball coach, was provided with just under $2.5 million after resigning from the program.