Butch Jones Signs New Five-Year Contract

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University head football coach Butch Jones has signed a new five-year contract with the university.

The contract lasts through the 2012 season and replaces the four-year contract Jones originally signed when he was named CMU’s head coach in January of 2007.

“We are excited to announce a new five-year contract for Butch Jones,” said CMU director of athletics Dave Heeke. “Butch has a great passion for Central Michigan University and this football program, and in a very short time he has developed the foundation necessary to maintain a championship-caliber football program at CMU.

“There is no question that we are fortunate to have one of the true rising stars of the coaching profession leading our football program, and with Butch’s leadership the future of Chippewa football is certainly bright. This new agreement illustrates a continued commitment to and investment in Central Michigan football and Butch Jones.”

Beginning with the 2008 season, Jones’ base salary will increase to $265,000 per year. He will be compensated $25,000 for radio and television appearances with a $2,500 annual increase through 2012. Jones also will receive 20 percent of the net profit of CMU’s summer football camps for the duration of the contract.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be the head coach at Central Michigan University,” Jones said. “I have made a commitment to be the head coach here. I am very excited about what our program accomplished this year, and I am looking forward to leading our program to even more success in the coming seasons. Our administration, campus community, alumni and fans have been outstanding with their support of our program, and with their help we will continue to build on the success of this season.”

Incentives are included for winning the Mid-American Conference West Division, the MAC Championship Game, and/or a bowl game. The deal also includes a pair of retention clauses that reward Jones with payments of $40,000 for remaining at CMU through both 2010 and 2012. Among other incentives in the contract are bonuses for high Kelly/Shorts Stadium attendance and victories per season.

In his first season as head coach, Jones led the 2007 Chippewas to a MAC West Division title and a 35-10 win over Miami in the MAC Championship Game. He is just the ninth head coach in the MAC’s 61-year history to win a conference title in his first season and only the second to lead his team to a victory in the MAC Championship Game in his first season.

Central Michigan (8-6 overall) closed its season with a 51-48 defeat against Purdue in the Motor City Bowl. The Chippewas rallied from a 21-point deficit to twice tie the score before Purdue kicked a field goal on the game’s final play.