Ball State can’t afford Hoke

 In what some will consider a rather unconventional move, Ball State disclosed Brady Hoke’s plans before his future employer was ready to officially introduce him.

 BSU confirmed Monday evening that Hoke has resigned as head football coach of the Cardinals, and that he did so to accept the head coaching job at San Diego State University for a guaranteed five-year, $3.5 million deal.

 In Ball State’s release, the school disclosed it presented Hoke – who led the Cardinals to a 12-1 record and second straight bowl berth – with a a base salary of $390,000 per year, plus $60,000 in Mid-American Conference performance incentives. The school also offered up to $255,000 in Bowl Championship Series and national incentives.

 “When Coach Hoke told me San Diego State had offered him a guaranteed package of $3.5 million over five years, I knew we had done all we could to keep him,” said Ball State President Dr. Jo Ann Gora.