LSU board OKs coaches’ raises

• By MARSHA SHULER
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Jul 18, 2008 - Page: 5A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors on Thursday approved pay raises for nine head coaches of non-revenue-producing sports programs.

The pay raises of up to 10 percent came as the board ratified new contracts for the nine, spelling out terms and conditions of their employment.

Softball coach Yvette Girouard got a $5,000 base pay boost to $120,000, and gymnastics coach Sara “D-D” Breaux a $10,000 increase to $130,000.

The gymnastics team reached the Super Six this year for the first time in school history.

Girouard’s contract also provides for supplemental compensation of $32,000 per year. Breaux’s contract has an automatic salary increase to $138,000 beginning July 1.

Other head coaches getting increases of varying amounts include head coaches of men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis and volleyball.

The raises were effective July 1. They range from $3,000 to $10,000.

“They are being rewarded for their dedication to LSU and their commitment to our student-athletes,” LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva said in a prepared statement.

At the meeting, LSU Associate Athletic Director Mark Ewing said the LSU sports program ranks eighth overall in the country. “A lot of that has to do with the people on this (pay raise) list,” Ewing said.

Ewing said the pay raises range from 4 percent to 10 percent. “They are not astronomical, but they keep us competitive,” he said.

LSU Board member Dottie Reese of New Orleans asked why the pay of women’s tennis coach Tony Minnis lagged the other eight head coaches. Minnis’ new annual pay is $78,000 — a $3,000 increase.

Ewing said the athletic department looks at the salaries within the respective leagues and “where they rank within the conference.”

That’s why Girouard’s is near the top.