The Houston Chronicle has reported the dismissal of Dana Holgorsen, the head coach of the University of Houston football team, following a 4-8 season as the Cougars transitioned into the Big 12, have a look at his salary
Holgorsen’s departure marks the conclusion of a tenure that experienced a blend of successes and challenges.
Dana Holgorsen University of Houston football contract, salary, net worth and record
Under Holgorsen’s leadership in the 2021 season, Houston achieved a notable 12-2 record, made an appearance in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, and secured a No. 17 ranking in the AP Top 25.
However, subsequent performance witnessed a decline, ending the following season with an 8-5 record, and the 2023 season proved particularly challenging with three consecutive losses.
The Mountaineers had just one losing season under Holgorsen’s watch and he ended up with a 61-41 record coaching them,
Born: 21 June 1971 (age 52 years), Davenport, Iowa, United States
Teams coached: Houston Cougars football (Head coach, since 2019)
Spouse: Candice Holgorsen
Team: Houston Cougars football
Education: Valdosta State University (1995), Iowa Wesleyan University (1993), Mount Pleasant High School (1989)
Children: Logan Holgorsen, Karlyn Holgorsen, McClayne Holgorsen
Parents: Pat Holgorsen, Steve Holgorsen
Holgorsen Joined Houston in 2019
Holgorsen, who joined Houston in 2019 after eight seasons at West Virginia, was initially regarded as a significant acquisition. His contract, one of the most lucrative in the Group of Five, included a substantial bonus if Houston attained power conference membership.
Despite rumors of potential termination in December, Holgorsen confidently asserted, “There ain’t no f—ing hot seat in my mind. There just ain’t,” highlighting his achievements, including 20 wins in two years, back-to-back bowl victories, and a multi-year contract with a challenging buyout.
The termination triggers a buyout of nearly $15 million for Holgorsen, as Houston embarks on a coaching search during its inaugural season in the Big 12.
Who is Dana Holgorsen?
Dana Holgorsen, born on June 21, 1971, is an American college football coach known for his tactical approach. Before coaching at Houston, he led West Virginia University from 2011 to 2018, gaining experience under notable coaches like Hal Mumme, Mike Leach, Kevin Sumlin, and Mike Gundy.
Holgorsen’s coaching journey has been marked by triumphs and challenges, with his impact on Houston’s football program, especially during the transition to the Big 12, becoming part of his coaching legacy.
An extension last year prolonged Holgorsen’s contract through 2027, requiring the University of Houston to negotiate another extension in good faith upon the school’s admission to a Power 5 conference.
Contract Details
His original contract guaranteed the first three seasons, with a 60 percent buyout beyond that.
Holgorsen’s earnings are set to reach $4.7 million in 2027, but if the buyout terms apply, it would cost Houston approximately $15 million to part ways after the 2023 campaign, posing a financial challenge given the reported $3.8 million in donations for the 2021 fiscal year.
Holgorsen signed a six-year, $26.7 million extension following their 12-2 season in 2021 in a deal that was expected to provide some security as they prepared to leave the AAC for the confines of the Big 12 with his net worth at $11 million.
“Holgorsen’s total compensation from January of this year through the end of his contract (December 31, 2027) is $22,500,000 – an average of $4,500,000 per yearand in terms of a buyout, he is owed 100% of his salary/non-salary compensation in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and then 60% of the final two years.