Rutgers on Thursday gave AD Pat Hobbs a "contract extension that is guaranteed" through the '21-22 season and "could extend" to '23-24 and beyond, according to Keith Sargeant of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. The contract extension comes with an "increase in base salary over his first three years, deferred compensation, and could soar past" what Rutgers President Robert Barchi earns beginning in '21-22. Hobbs’ original contract "called for a guaranteed base salary" of $560,000. Hobbs last year "earned his maximum $50,000 bonus and grossed nearly $607,000." Starting now, Hobbs’ base salary "increases from $560,000 to $615,000." From July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, Hobbs’ base salary "will be $625,000 and it increases to $635,000" in '19-20. In addition, Rutgers will "annually credit Hobbs $100,000 in deferred compensation for each year of the contract, for as long as he’s employed as the AD" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 10/6).
STILL IN THE CORN MAZE: Ole Miss AD Ross Bjork said that he is not a candidate or "interested in the Nebraska job" opening as AD. In Mississippi, Antonio Morales notes Bjork was named AD on March 21, 2012, and he has worked with Turnkey Search to find a football coach -- the same company "hired to help" with Nebraska's AD search (Jackson CLARION-LEDGER, 10/6). In Omaha, Dirk Chatelain noted Nebraska-Omaha AD Trev Alberts also "ended his candidacy" for the open AD spot at Nebraska (OMAHA.com, 10/5).
WEB MASTER: In Virginia, John O'Connor cites sources as saying that the Univ. of Richmond is "sorting through its pool of qualified applicants" for the open AD position, and interviews are "expected to commence in the next few weeks." Richmond AD Keith Gill "resigned" on May 10 after about four-and-a-half years. Richmond Deputy AD David Walsh has been serving as interim AD, and neither Walsh nor school reps have "said whether he will be considered for the job" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 10/6).
NOTES: In Oklahoma City, Ed Godfrey notes the Univ. of Central Oklahoma on Thursday "introduced" Oklahoma Sports HOF President Eddie Griffin as its new AD. Griffin "left his position" with the HOF to "return to the place where he led" the wrestling team to three NAIA championships (OKLAHOMAN, 10/6)....Saint Joseph's AD Don DiJulia announced he will retire at the end of the current academic year. This is his 35th year as AD over two terms, from '76-81 and then from '88 to the present (St. Joe's).
