In a significant move, the University of Oregon has bolstered its football coaching team with contract extensions and increased salaries for several returning assistant coaches. This adjustment brings the total salary pool for Dan Lanning's 10 full-time assistants to over $9 million for the upcoming season. The changes reflect the university's commitment to maintaining a competitive coaching staff, ensuring they can attract and retain top-tier talent.

Details of Contract Extensions and Salary Increases

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the University of Oregon has recently updated contracts for six of its returning assistant coaches. These adjustments not only provide financial incentives but also extend the tenure of key personnel within the program. Running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples, tight ends coach Drew Mehringer, offensive line coach A’lique Terry, defensive line coach Tony Tuioti, linebackers coach Brian Michalowski, and defensive backs coach Chris Hampton have all received new contracts with substantial raises. Additionally, strength and conditioning coach Wilson Love has seen an increase in his compensation package.

New wide receivers coach Ross Douglas has signed a two-year contract worth $600,000 annually, along with a signing bonus of $45,000. The university is also paying a $200,000 buyout fee to Syracuse University as part of Douglas’s transition. Meanwhile, coordinators Will Stein, Tosh Lupoi, and Joe Lorig continue under their existing contracts, which were signed last year.

The total salary pool for the 10 on-field coaches now stands at $9,475,000 for the 2025 season, marking a considerable increase from previous years. Specific details include:

• Ra’Shaad Samples: Extended contract through January 2027 with a salary bump to $700,000 next year.
• Drew Mehringer: Promoted to co-offensive coordinator; extended contract through January 2027 with a salary increase to $750,000 annually.
• A’lique Terry: Extended contract through January 2028 with a significant raise to $900,000 annually.
• Tony Tuioti: Extended contract through January 2027 with a salary increase to $750,000 annually.
• Brian Michalowski: Extended contract through January 2027 with a salary boost to $475,000 annually.
• Chris Hampton: Now earning $1.2 million annually through January 2027.
• Wilson Love: Now earning $750,000 annually through January 2027.

These contracts come with updated buyout clauses and guarantees, ensuring stability and security for both the university and the coaches. For instance, Samples, Mehringer, Hampton, and Love have fully guaranteed salaries, while Tuioti’s guarantee increases from 60% to 100%. Additionally, if any coach leaves to become an FBS or NFL head coach, their buyout is waived.

The performance bonuses remain unchanged, allowing each assistant to earn up to $155,000 based on team achievements, plus a $5,000 bonus if the Ducks achieve an Academic Progress Rate score of at least 985.

From a journalist’s perspective, this move by the University of Oregon underscores the institution’s dedication to building a robust and competitive football program. By investing in its coaching staff, the university aims to create a stable and successful environment that can attract top-tier athletes and maintain high academic standards. It also reflects a broader trend in collegiate sports where institutions are prioritizing coaching stability and excellence to remain competitive on the national stage.