Idaho’s Newst Coach Could Make Half a Million Dollars

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — New Idaho head coach Paul Petrino will be paid at least $390,000 annually in a three-year contract approved by the Idaho State Board of Education.

The board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the package for Petrino, who was the offensive coordinator at Arkansas until taking the Vandals job. Petrino also stands to gain from successfully rebuilding an Idaho program that's in tatters following a 1-11 season that included former coach Robb Akey's firing after eight games.

With bonuses for bowl games, Top 25 rankings and academic achievement, he could earn as much as $546,713. With his base salary, Petrino stands to earn about $15,000 more annually than Akey. His contract could be extended for a fourth and fifth year if Idaho averages at least 10,000 fans at home games.