By
Ryan Gabrielson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
UA, ASU must offer similar contracts to new coaches
While the future of the UA football team is now in John Mackovic's hands, the size of his paychecks is in the regents'.
At a press conference yesterday, University of Arizona President Peter Likins and Jim Livengood, athletic director, announced that Dick Tomey's successor would be Mackovic, former Texas head football coach gone ESPN analyst.
"We're on a journey, and we will not ever get there (a final destination)," Mackovic said.
Though, he said the Rose Bowl should at least be a pit stop. What Mackovic will be paid has been determined, Livengood said, but the figure was not announced.
The UA is seeking to sign Mackovic to a five-year contract, the maximum allowed by the state, Likins confirmed.
Both Mackovic and Arizona State University's new head football coach Dirk Koetter must have their contracts approved by the Arizona Board of Regents.
While ABOR does not have a meeting scheduled until the end of January, the entire process is supposed to be finished before then, Likins said.
"I trust that they will (schedule a special meeting)," Likins said, concerning the actions the regents are expected to take so that both coaches can be under contract soon.
That meeting will take place via teleconferencing so that it is more expedient and convenient for all parties involved, said Regent Judy Gignac.
The meeting will be announced 24 hours in advance, and there will be designated locations for the public to listen to the meeting, said Regent Mary Echeverria.
The approval of Mackovic and Koetter will take place during the same meeting. Both contracts are also expected to be very similar.
"(UA and ASU will) align the two contracts with regards to incentive packages," Echeverria said.
Contrary to what Likins and Livengood said, Regent Hank Amos said that all the details of the contract have not been worked out because Mackovic's contract has to be close to Koeter's from ASU.
"You can't have one with a $300,000 or $400,000 difference from the other one," Amos said.
Ryan Gabrielson can be reached at Ryan.Gabrielson@wildcat.arizona.edu.
