The committee approved the minutes of the 16 November 1998 SEC and of the 3 December 1998 Senate without amendment. Report from the President At the top of the President s report was the controversy surrounding the compensation package for the new football coach. While it was a difficult decision to terminate Jim Lambright s contract, it was one made to address the needs for long-term leadership in our program. The President asserted his support for Barbara Hedges decision, and his confidence in the new coach, Rick Neuheisel. The compensation package being discussed in the media is made up of three main components, none of which derive from State funds or tuition.
Additional compensation comes from TV contracts, boosters, and athletic shoe manufacturers.
McCormick stated that we must, in athletics as in academics, compete with the market to recruit and retain people like Neuheisel. I schools, which are our peers in this area. McCormick indicated there was a direct correlation with gifts to support athletics programs, but it did not bear any relation to contributions to academic programs. Furthermore, the ICA pays a negotiated amount to the University in support of its indirect costs. Provost Huntsman was not able to provide the exact figure, but added that they were in the midst of a substantial fundraising campaign to improve a number of the athletic facilities.