Jimbo hit the Jackpot

Toward the tail end of Bobby Bowden illustrious career, Florida State named Jimbo Fisher Head Coach in waiting.  With Florida State being viewed as one of the top programs in the country, the decision to move an individual with no head coaching experience into the top job spoke volumes about their confidence in Fisher.  Prior to the his inaugural season in 2010, Fisher was also awarded an entry level salary of $1.8 million to lead the Seminoles.  His first year met with some success as FSU finished with a 10-4 record, yet a season far from the glory days when the Seminoles were competing for national championships. 

What was the response of the University President Eric Barron?  Good ole Jimbo received a raise of approximately 50%  ($950,000) to raise his salary to $2,750,000.  Barron’s public rationale for the raise, “You are always looking at whether or not you have the potential to lose a good coach and end up having to pay more in order to get the next one.”  If Coach Fisher can put three more 10-4 records together and President Barron uses the same formula, the FSU Football Coach will be making about $9.5 million in 2014.

In my estimation Fisher’s salary has nothing to do with the possibility of him leaving and the Seminoles needing a new coach.  No one is going to be beating down Jimbo’s door to open the vault and have him guide their program.  The real reason behind this super raise is the concept of “keeping up with the Joneses”.

A few hours down the road, the hated Gators brought in first time head coach Will Muschamps and did open the vault to the tune of $3.22 million for his annual compensation.

In Barron’s mind he could not have the inexperienced Florida Head Coach making significantly more in salary than his guy.  As a leader realize that you need to do what is appropriate and right for your organization.  I have seen many people in charge make decisions based on bad decisions of their competitors.  Getting involved in arms races with other groups and organizations can get very risky.  Understand your own situation first and then see what is going on in the marketplace.