Last year's 9-4 record that included a six-win improvement over the previous season was lucrative for WSU's football coaches, who all received raises.

Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times reported on Wednesday that head coach Mike Leach will receiver a $200,000 per year raise, and the assistant coaches will split $375,000 in raises.

Furthermore, the coaches each received renewed contracts, meaning that Leach still has five years left on his contract, just like he did when he took the job in 2012.

Per Loh, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch received the most largess among the assistants with a $150,000 raise that gives him a base salary of $575,000 for next season, with escalators that will see him eventually make $625,000 in 2018 (barring future raises, of course).

 Grinch's energy and the clarity of his teaching received a lot of credit for WSU's turnaround. The Cougars scoring defense improved by more than 10 points per game in Grinch's first season, and the Cougars forced 16 more turnovers than the previous season.

Defensive line coach Joe Salave'a, who has turned down offers to leave WSU in the past from schools such as USC and Washington, received a $50,000 raise that raises his salary to $375,000.

Offensive line coach Clay McGuire received a $40,000 raise and will make $276,500, outside linebackers coach Roy Manning got a $35,000 raise and will make $271,500 and inside linebackers coach Ken Wilson will make $246,500 after receiving a $30,000 raise.

Furthermore, running backs coach Jim Mastro will make $236,500 and special teams coordinator Eric Mele will make $211,500 after receiving $10,000 raises. Strength coach Jason Loscalzo earned a pretty penny in 2015, too, and will make $251,500 thanks to a $25,000 raise.

So, the next time you see a WSU football coach and want to buy him a barley pop, just remember that these well-to-do coaches can afford a round or three.

 

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