Regents approve new compensation package for Ryan

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Friday approved an amended contract with Badger men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan that increases his next year’s salary by $250,000, which provides him a $1.25 million compensation package.

“Bo’s able leadership has built a program that has earned national respect and recognition, not only for UW–Madison, but for the entire state,” says Chancellor John D. Wiley. “He is dedicated to providing consistent excellence, on and off the court. This contract change recognizes those efforts.”

Ryan says the contract amendment, which comes after he led the Badgers to their first No. 1 national ranking ever and engineered a 30-6 season, reflects the university’s commitment.

“The regents and the university administration have shown that they value a strong athletic program, one that builds well-rounded student-athletes. I’m very thankful for their support,” Ryan says. “I plan to work to meet and exceed their expectations.”

Athletic Director Barry Alvarez says Ryan’s coaching skills have made the Badgers a national force in college basketball.

“Bo has not just achieved success, he has found ways to sustain it and build on it. Beyond that, he’s found ways to transfer his values, his high standards and his work ethic to players,” Alvarez says. “We wanted to be proactive and we began talking with Bo about a contract amendment well before the season was finished.”

Ryan has led the Badgers to the NCAA tournament in each of his six seasons in Madison. He has coached the four winningest teams in Wisconsin history, including the school-record 30 victories in the 2006-07 season.

He has compiled a 142-55 overall record at Wisconsin and a 68-28 mark in Big Ten play. Ryan was also named the Clair Bee Coach of the Year and won the Rupp Cup National Coach of the Year Award for 2007.

The contract amendment calls for Ryan’s base salary to be unchanged at $400,000. But his additional compensation – from sports-generated, multimedia program revenue – will rise from $300,000 a year to $550,000 annually beginning on June 1. Under the amendment, that amount will increase by $25,000 each year until 2010-11.

In addition, a previously agreed-to deferred compensation agreement will provide Ryan another $300,000, which increases $25,000 annually through 2009-10.