Mackovic's $910,000 buyout may reduce travel, facilities

The UA athletics department is considering cutting its budget in order to pay the buyout amount of former head football coach John Mackovic's contract, athletics officials said yesterday.

The buyout, which is $910,000 or half of Mackovic's unpaid salary, must be paid by the end of the month because of a provision included in his contract.

John Perrin, senior associate athletic director for business affairs, said funding for the buyout would come from the department's general budget.

Cuts might come in the form of a 10 to 15 percent cutback on travel, game expenses, facilities, such as weight rooms, Perrin said.

"We haven't raised any extra funds," Perrin said.

He said the cuts will not directly affect the athletes, but would not comment further.

The athletics department has been financially self-sufficient since July 1, with its $30 million in revenue coming via gate receipts, stadium advertising and concessions, sponsorships and donations.

Mackovic, who was fired Sunday morning, was in the third season of a five-year, $4 million contract.

He was the highest paid UA employee during his run, making over $800,000 per year.

His firing came one day after the Wildcats' fourth straight defeat, a 13-10 overtime loss to Texan Christian University.

Athletics Director Jim Livengood said that it was premature to say where the money for the buyout would come from.

Mackovic was hired in December 2000 to replace former coach Dick Tomey.

Tomey's $600,000 buyout went into effect upon his departure. He received the final $200,000 installment last January.