Idaho's State Board of Education will vote today or tomorrow whether to approve the new contract of Boise State football coach Chris Petersen. Petersen's raise has already been approved, and counting incentives, the entire package could top $12 million over five years. But certain compensation language in the contract may be unprecedented among college coaches.
According to details released by the Idaho Statesman, "Petersen also will receive a $250,000 annual payment for the life of the contract as a licensing fee so that the university can use his 'name, image, voice, signature, etc.' for marketing, promotion and merchandise. The licensing agreement is with Chris Petersen Enterprises LLC. The agreement gives Petersen the right to veto any use of his likeness. It is an exclusive license."
As one Statesman headline put it, "Coach Petersen now a corporation."
"This is definitely interesting," says Kevin Barefoot, director of sales and marketing for Winthrop Intelligence, which compiles data pertaining to collegiate head and assistant coaching contracts. "I can't say that we've seen anything like this previously."
In five seasons leading the Broncos, Petersen's 61-5 record is tops among active Football Bowl Subdivision coaches.
Update: The State Board reportedly has approved Petersen's contract unanimously and without discussion.
