Gophers AD Maturi says Brewster has earned extension

Marlin Levison, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi, left, says he will be discussing a contract extension with football coach Tim Brewster.

The athletic director praised this season's turnaround and the team's conduct, both off the field and in the classroom.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: December 19, 2008 - 9:32 PM

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University of Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi said football coach Tim Brewster has done enough in his two seasons as football coach to warrant a contract extension.

The two have not talked yet, but Maturi said they will, presumably after the Gophers' game against Kansas in the Dec. 31 Insight Bowl.

Maturi said this week that heading into that game Brewster -- in the second year of his original five-year contract -- has already shown enough to be worthy of an extension.

"I think he's proven that ... ," Maturi said. "We did go from 1-11 to 7-5. That's a positive. And we all knew there would be a transition. I don't think anybody expected us to go from 6-6 [the Gophers record before an Insight Bowl loss to Texas Tech two years ago] to 1-11. But I'm not so sure anybody expected us to go from 1-11 to 7-5 either."

But Maturi said his reasons for entering into discussions on an extension extend beyond Brewster's record. The second-year coach has a 3-13 Big Ten record and ended the 2008 regular season with four consecutive losses, the final a 55-0 drubbing at the hands of Iowa in the final Metrodome home game for the program.

Maturi praised Brewster's ability as a recruiter, his success connecting with the state's high school coaches and his willingness to sell the program.

"I think the kids are improving academically," Maturi said. "I think we've done a good job socially. There haven't been any compliance issues. You look at all those kinds of things that make up what you believe in with a head coach. Then you need to reward them."

After practice Thursday Brewster confirmed that the two have not begun negotiating but that they intend to.

"That will certainly happen," Brewster said. "Again, it's not something we're [working on] right now. Right now I've got stuff I'm doing. But it's something I believe we'll come together on."

Brewster's current contract is worth $1 million a year, with $400,000 in base salary, $400,000 in supplemental compensation and $200,000 in deferred compensation. There are also performance bonuses; for example, Brewster earned a $25,000 bonus for leading the Gophers to a non-New Year's Day bowl game this season.

It's often said that, for recruiting purposes, it's good to have a head coach who has at least four years left on his contract. That way a potential recruit feels the man recruiting him will be there during his college career.

Maturi downplayed that aspect of it, noting the Gophers are well on their way to a strong recruiting class for next fall even though Brewster has only three years left on his first deal.

Brewster, though, said he thought it was important.

"I think five years is what a coach ought to have," Brewster said. "He ought to be working with five years. That sends a message to kids that you are in good shape, you're solid and you'll be there for the kids you're recruiting."

Etc.

• The Gophers will practice here today and Sunday, then not meet up again until Christmas night. The next practice after Sunday's will come the morning after Christmas.

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