Vigen Speaks to Utah State about HC Opening

[GoldstoneCat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

I've had that option and chose to stay in MT. Vigen doesn't have those ties though. I would guess he is making 400 a year with all his bonus and media. Not bad. But one big contract could be life changing I guess.

Mendenhall and Choate signed deals in the 5-6 million range for 4 years last year. As a school headed to the Pac there should be even more money for the football Coach. If you were able to hang on to the job for 10 years with multiple contracts that's probably somewhere in the 15 to 20 million range. Not just set up you and your wife, that's moving into generational type wealth for your kids as well. I'd definitely move to Logan or Fresno for 10 years with the plan to retire where I want.

If Vigen were to be at fresno for 10 years, with the good performance that would require and the move to the Pac, he's probably making 30M in the 10 years. Or, ala Kalen Deboer, he hits at fresno and parlays that to a Washington, UCLA, TCU type job and his whole lineage is set for life.

[Travelingcat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

And this is my central argument for moving up-- though it would help if the G5 could get a playoff in place as soon as possible-- I agree that it's more compelling to compete for a Natty than to win the Potato bowl.

Right now, we simply don't have the resources to offer either "retirement money" or even a remotely competitive compensation package vs. schools like Fresno State that we used to compete against in FCS. I think Bozeman and this job have enough attractions for the right candidate to stay for a very long time, even in the face of inducements from very big schools-- but to get there we have to be able to offer lifetime financial security for our top coaches, and right now we can't do that with contracts at a maximum of four years, and maximum compensation at a bit more than 600K per year, even when they blow out every incentive.

Craig Bohl was signing a 7 year $12 million contract (base salary alone!) with Wyoming in the same size market as we have. That's what we need to be able to do long-term.

[Hawks86]

I think he informed both schools that they would have to wait until this season is over.

[coloradocat]

Maybe he wants to be the one transition the Bobcats to the FBS. Then after a year or two he'll already be an FBS coach and can get a better job than some middling MWC/PAC HC.

[Camo_Cat]

My guess is that Coach might want to stick around and take a couple years to develop Grant into a viable D1 quarterback. Then when he leaves for a bigger program, he takes Grant with him.

[rfischer94]

My guess is that Coach might want to stick around and take a couple years to develop Grant into a viable D1 quarterback. Then when he leaves for a bigger program, he takes Grant with him.

I've heard that Grant is more of a pocket passer, which seems incompatible with our offense. I've heard he's more likely to play tight end. I guess if you replace "quarterback" with "tight end" your prediction still sends plausible.

[The Butcher]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Some would argue it's not basically the same job. Sure, the job title is the same, but if you're fighting to win half your games with a less enthusiastic administration and fanbase, is that the same job as a perennial top 5 FCS team with great support that is/should be always in the running for a national championship? For some people it's all about the money, for others there are additional considerations.

I don’t think USU has the resources to be a serious contender in the MWC. I can’t think of a USU coach who has gone on to have success. It’s also a school where football is second fiddle to basketball.

That said. It’s probably a salary increase of close to $1mil/year.

Maybe not the MWC, but how about the Pac 12!

[AFCAT]

My guess is that Coach might want to stick around and take a couple years to develop Grant into a viable D1 quarterback. Then when he leaves for a bigger program, he takes Grant with him.

I've heard that Grant is more of a pocket passer, which seems incompatible with our offense. I've heard he's more likely to play tight end. I guess if you replace "quarterback" with "tight end" your prediction still sends plausible.

The offense could be adapted to Grants strengths. Bauman and Rovig were more pocket passers too, but the Cats still ran the ball. I think it’s just speculation that Grant will move to TE, even I think that’s a better position for him. I also didn’t believe Tommy was ready to start at QB in 2021, so what do I know?

[rfischer94]

My guess is that Coach might want to stick around and take a couple years to develop Grant into a viable D1 quarterback. Then when he leaves for a bigger program, he takes Grant with him.

I've heard that Grant is more of a pocket passer, which seems incompatible with our offense. I've heard he's more likely to play tight end. I guess if you replace "quarterback" with "tight end" your prediction still sends plausible.

The offense could be adapted to Grants strengths. Bauman and Rovig were more pocket passers too, but the Cats still ran the ball. I think it’s just speculation that Grant will move to TE, even I think that’s a better position for him. I also didn’t believe Tommy was ready to start at QB in 2021, so what do I know?

I hadn't thought of that. I am willing to bet you know me about football than I do!

[seataccat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered and yea these circumstances change for coaches every year. One year you're the toast of the town the next year the fan base may want you fired.

[tetoncat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered.

Do you know that for sure or just assuming that based on salary. There are NAIA coaches in MT that could have liked to move up to D2, FCS, then higher that never look to leave, content with what they have. Is it possible Vigen does that as well?

[Steve D]

Mountain West football head coach salaries 2024

https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/report ... ke-in-2024

[CalgaryCat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered.

Do you know that for sure or just assuming that based on salary. There are NAIA coaches in MT that could have liked to move up to D2, FCS, then higher that never look to leave, content with what they have. Is it possible Vigen does that as well?

It’s always possible, but those coaches that stick around are the exceptions, not the rule

[RockyBearCat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered and yea these circumstances change for coaches every year. One year you're the toast of the town the next year the fan base may want you fired.

Just to be very clear on where Vigen is at MSU:
Direct quote from Skyline Sports (Thanks @Colter_Nuanez )
"With his base salary, his first-year retention bonus and his pending second-year retention bonus plus his guaranteed bonuses for media and public appearances, Vigen’s guaranteed salary is $399,650 and he earned $85,000 in bonuses last season, earning $484,650.

If he were to duplicate the success of the playoff run in 2021, beat all four playoff teams that made the playoffs last season, and add a Big Sky title and coach of the year like in 2022, Vigen could earn $614,650. An undefeated run to the national championship (including an FBS win) would earn Vigen $665,650."

[coloradocat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered.

Do you know that for sure or just assuming that based on salary. There are NAIA coaches in MT that could have liked to move up to D2, FCS, then higher that never look to leave, content with what they have. Is it possible Vigen does that as well?

It’s always possible, but those coaches that stick around are the exceptions, not the rule

Well Vigen is exceptional!

[tetoncat]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered and yea these circumstances change for coaches every year. One year you're the toast of the town the next year the fan base may want you fired.

Just to be very clear on where Vigen is at MSU:
Direct quote from Skyline Sports (Thanks @Colter_Nuanez )
"With his base salary, his first-year retention bonus and his pending second-year retention bonus plus his guaranteed bonuses for media and public appearances, Vigen’s guaranteed salary is $399,650 and he earned $85,000 in bonuses last season, earning $484,650.

If he were to duplicate the success of the playoff run in 2021, beat all four playoff teams that made the playoffs last season, and add a Big Sky title and coach of the year like in 2022, Vigen could earn $614,650. An undefeated run to the national championship (including an FBS win) would earn Vigen $665,650."

Not sure how he could afford to live in Bozeman.

[Montanabob]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered and yea these circumstances change for coaches every year. One year you're the toast of the town the next year the fan base may want you fired.

Just to be very clear on where Vigen is at MSU:
Direct quote from Skyline Sports (Thanks @Colter_Nuanez )
"With his base salary, his first-year retention bonus and his pending second-year retention bonus plus his guaranteed bonuses for media and public appearances, Vigen’s guaranteed salary is $399,650 and he earned $85,000 in bonuses last season, earning $484,650.

If he were to duplicate the success of the playoff run in 2021, beat all four playoff teams that made the playoffs last season, and add a Big Sky title and coach of the year like in 2022, Vigen could earn $614,650. An undefeated run to the national championship (including an FBS win) would earn Vigen $665,650."

Not sure how he could afford to live in Bozeman.

Don't forget to add in how much he saves in tuition costs for his kids.

[tetoncat]

Serious side of it is, that is a pretty good living that is higher than a large percentage of coaches make. His performance at MSU has gotten him some career stability. Stay, get raises, possibly move up where it would be even more. Don't have to relocate family. Or, chase dollars likely get a 2 to 3 x payday, but could be out in 2-3 years where you likely have to go back to coordinator or lower level head guy. He seems to have been in the first camp most of career. Choate was in the second.

[justafan]

I've got to wonder if being outside the P5 in the FBS is really even worth it? Sure you get paid more, but then you're running a mediocre program with mediocre enthusiasm from the fanbase.

I've got to think that the quality of life in BZN along with being an actual contending program in the FCS would be more valuable.

If you could quadruple your salary next year doing the basically the same job would you do it?

Heck no!





But I was just laid off, so 0x4=0

I think its a bit of a stretch to say that a G5 coaching job is somehow the same job as an FCS job.

For some people, at least, the extra responsibility and the association with a far lower quality program wouldn't be worth it. For others it would.

I can't imagine that Vigen is going to jump at the first lower tier MWC opportunity that presents itself. I have zero special insight, but I have to believe he is going to be on the lookout for something significantly better.

If Coach Vigan is offered the job at USU or Fresno State there is no way he's going to turn it down to stay in Bozeman unless they really try to low ball him. Thinking that somehow MSU has this cachet that is better than some mountain west jobs is pretty silly. The USU head coach will make ~$1.4 million this year. Vigan is in his prime earning years and those opportunities come when they come and that happens to be this year. Next year might be an entirely different circumstance.

Eh...I wouldn't really be surprised either way. Vigen will make well over $500k this year. Would an additional $900k ($600k after taxes) be worth taking over a 3 win program? One that has to compete with something like 47 other D1 schools for in state talent?

Especially when theres an opening 60 miles south for a $2m Offensive Co-ordinator?

And you don't think there will be more, better offers for Vigen for a power 5 job down the road?

Vigen has seen what happens to quality FCS coaches who take crappy jobs (Bohl, Glenn, Hauck, Troy Taylor). He took a $100-$200k pay cut to come to Bozeman (I think Polsacks base salary at Wyoming is $350 or so), so the idea that hes got one foot out the door seems more than a little far fetched.

These jobs aren't "When they Come"...for a guy like Vigen, he will get to choose between several, if not dozens. These jobs are open every single year.

Thats not saying he wouldn't go...I just don't think that he took the step down & pay cut from Wyoming OC to come to Bozeman in order to get the HC job in Logan.

Knowing how many better opportunities are in the pipeline, it would be hard to jump to a crappy job, even with a $600k bump in pay. Vigen is no Jeff Choate.

We are definitely going to disagree here. Your numbers are not close. The head coach at Wyoming makes well over a million a year. Vigan didn't make 500k here this year. If he wins the chipper he will be somewhere in that ball park. You can say USU is a crappy job but he will make way more money there than he will in Bozeman 3-8 or not. Also Bohl and Taylor made millions at their jobs. You're going to tout all the add ons to vigans salary at MSU but those other schools have the same add ons so it's not an apples to apples comparison.
The only reason Vigan would stay at MSU instead of a MW job is because he wasn't offered and yea these circumstances change for coaches every year. One year you're the toast of the town the next year the fan base may want you fired.

Just to be very clear on where Vigen is at MSU:
Direct quote from Skyline Sports (Thanks @Colter_Nuanez )
"With his base salary, his first-year retention bonus and his pending second-year retention bonus plus his guaranteed bonuses for media and public appearances, Vigen’s guaranteed salary is $399,650 and he earned $85,000 in bonuses last season, earning $484,650.

If he were to duplicate the success of the playoff run in 2021, beat all four playoff teams that made the playoffs last season, and add a Big Sky title and coach of the year like in 2022, Vigen could earn $614,650. An undefeated run to the national championship (including an FBS win) would earn Vigen $665,650."

Not sure how he could afford to live in Bozeman.

Don't forget to add in how much he saves in tuition costs for his kids.

you have to have 5 years in and then it is a 50% tuition waiver for 1 kid at at time..only for non grad programs, unless they changed it recently.

[MSU01]

The Utah State forum is tracking a private jet belonging to one of their big boosters that has been apparently bringing candidates to campus for interviews today. The first flight was from Lewiston, ID which they are speculating was Jason Eck. The second one was from Boise which they are speculating is former BSU and Auburn coach Bryan Harsin.