The University of Louisville Athletic Association approved a contract extension through 2033 for a total salary value of $64.8 million for UofL football coach Jeff Brohm during a board meeting Thursday morning.
The former Cardinals quarterback (1989-93) became his alma mater's head coach in December 2022. His initial contract term was set to expire after the 2028 season but was automatically extended to 2030 after consecutive 10- and nine-win seasons in 2023 and 2024.
The average annual compensation of Brohm's initial deal was $6.49 million. His new deal will average $8.1 million.
Brohm's name was linked to several Power Four openings this offseason, including Florida, Michigan and Penn State, the latter of which Brohm turned down an offer from. Conversations around a contract extension at UofL began in December.
Toward the end of March and beginning of April, rumors swirled on social media that talks between Brohm and athletics director Josh Heird had grown contentious. One rumor alleged that one meeting between both parties ended with Brohm kicking Heird out of his office. Neither Brohm nor Heird lent credence to the rumor in subsequent media availabilities.
Brohm declined to speak publicly about negotiations on April 9 but did say, "I'm hopeful that things get done."
Earlier that day, Heird said, "What was said in there will stay between us." He also explained that more goes into a contract negotiation during the NIL and revenue-sharing era than in years past.
"I do think it's more complex and more complicated than it used to be with the amount of resources that have to go to different places," Heird said. "... Previously, it was just operational and coaching staff salaries, whatever. Now we have a whole other line item over there that we've got to try to manage, and all of those play off of each other. And that's where we're at right now, is just trying to sort through all that."
Brohm's base salary in 2023 was $5 million. That number was set to increase by $100,000 in each of the first six years of his contract, up to $5.5 million in 2028. His base salary could've leapt to $6.5 million in 2029 and $7 million in 2030.
In his new contract, Brohm's salary will increase as follows, according to a copy of the term sheet:
2026: $6.3 million ($6.55 million with a retention bonus)
College Football Playoff success could increase Brohm's base salary. Whichever highest of the following feats is accomplished in a given season, that corresponding amount will be tacked onto Brohm's annual compensation (Incentives can be achieved multiple times during the term, though annual compensation with retention bonuses and success increases will be capped at $12 million):
Aside from base salary, Brohm was eligible for or gifted the following in his initial contract with UofL: bonuses for coach of the year awards, total wins, average team GPA, staying on as head coach and participation in the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff as well as other bowl games; free tickets to Louisville football, volleyball and men's and women's basketball games; a family membership to the University of Louisville Golf Club; an automobile allowance; a $15 million life insurance policy owned and paid for by the school; and the freedom to pursue outside income.
Proposed changes to performance bonuses are as follows:
No bonus for six wins and making a bowl game (down from a $100,000 bonus for such feat in Brohm's initial deal);
A $250,000 bonus (up $50,000) for a Tier 1 bowl game, which includes the first three selections from the ACC (Pop-Tart, Holiday and Gator Bowls this past season);
A $250,000 bonus for Top 25 ranking (up from no bonus for such feat currently).
The terms sheet also outlines an increase of $750,000 to Brohm's current $5.5 million staff budget.
Brohm's agent is Shawn Freibert. He is certified by the NFL Players Association and also represents UofL general manager Vince Marrow.
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com and follow her on X @petitus25. Subscribe to her "Full-court Press" newsletter here for a behind-the-scenes look at how college sports' biggest stories are impacting Louisville and Kentucky athletics.