Urban Meyer will now make $4 million a year to coach up the Florida Gators. He’s worth it.
No, I’m not a hard core Gator fan, but I am a fan. (Actually I’m a hard core Penn State fan.) And, yes, I’m aware of the skewed priorities inherent in the parallel universe that is big time sports. And while cancer researchers should make more than football coaches, that bizarro universe is also part of the free-market system. It’s an obscenely compensated meritocracy.
Florida football is big business involving big network television deals, big marketing dollars, and a big stadium with big luxury boxes. And big expectations. Merely winning – even in the football cauldron that is the Southeast Conference – is not enough. It’s about winning national championships. UF has won two in Meyer’s four years. And he’s done it without turning Florida into an outlaw program.
Meyer’s salary is funded through the University Athletic Association. In other words, no state money is used to pay Meyer. In fact, the UAA kicks back money to the university. This year it gave UF $6 million to help address a budget deficit. Meyer also gives back. His commitment to the Florida Opportunity Scholars program is $1 million.
In addition to what he brings UF – in revenues, national stature and PR coups – Meyer must also be judged in context. For example, Charlie Weis, the Notre Dame coach with the undistinguished, 4-year record, makes more than Meyer. Pat Burrell, the Tampa Bay Rays’ designated out, makes twice as much.
Sure, it’s all relative. But, absolutely, Meyer is worth it.