ECU needed a change in leadership. After the Ruffin McNeill debacle, the Pirates struggled under Scottie Montgomery’s watch, leading them to Mike Houston.
The current Pirates head coach steadied the ship, but what is Houston’s salary, contract, and net worth as the new leader of the AAC-based program?
Mike Houston’s Salary and Contract in 2024
Houston’s salary for the 2024 college football campaign is $2.3 million, comprised of a $1.4 million base salary with an additional $900,000 in supplemental pay for other obligations as agreed following a five-year contract extension signed following the 2021 season.
Houston came to ECU as a proven winner. He led Division II Lenoir-Rhyne to a 29-8 record from 2011 to 2013, turned around The Citadel to a 9-4 team in his second season there in 2015, and led James Madison to a national championship in 2016.
After leading the Dukes to a 37-6 record in his three seasons there, he got his first crack at the FBS level with the Pirates. He initially signed a five-year, $7.3 million contract but quickly earned a contract extension with the program.
Houston also has 10 on-field assistants, with a salary pool totaling $2.244 million. For reference, he made $600,000 as the head coach at James Madison.
Other perks of the job include state benefits with 24 annual leave days per year, a courtesy or leased vehicle, a cell phone allowance of $130 per month, and a country club membership in or around Greenville, North Carolina.
Houston’s Net Worth
Based on his current five-year deal with the Pirates, Houston has a net worth of $11.5 million. However, that doesn’t include the various bonuses woven into his contract. Depending on how many games the Pirates win during the regular season, Houston gets the following bonuses:
- 8 Wins: $30,000
- 9 Wins: $35,000
- 10 Wins: $40,000
- 11 Wins: $45,000
- 12 Wins: $50,000
Houston also gets an additional $25,000 if he’s named AAC or AFCA’s Regional Football Coach of the Year. His contract also includes plenty of postseason bonuses:
- College Football Playoff Appearance: $250,000
- College Football Playoff Semifinal win: $250,000
- National Championship Win: $500,000
- New Year’s Six Bowl Game: $75,000
- Any other bowl game appearance: $25,000
- Bowl game win: $25,000
- Finish in the Top 25: $50,000
If ECU terminates his contract, they will owe him the remaining base salary on his deal plus any bonuses he earned.
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