Jim Mora set to become highest-paid coach in UCLA history

Jim Mora begins his first practice as UCLA’s football coach today on the verge of becoming the highest-paid coach in school history.

UCLA athletic department officials have told the University of California Board of Regents they anticipate generating about $17.6 million in revenues this year from television, multi-media, apparel and other products. A chunk of that will be spent on football coaches, according to requests made to the board by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block in January and March.

Mora will get a five-year deal not to exceed $3 million annually in base salary and talent fees (including TV and radio appearances and apparel contracts). He will receive a yearly pay increase not to exceed 5% of the base pay and talent fee combined.

Rick Neuheisel, fired in December, had a five-year contract that paid $1.25 million per season with performance-based incentives that could have taken it as high as $1.75 million. UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland makes $2.04 million in guaranteed compensation annually.

Mora’s contract also includes a signing bonus, not to exceed $1 million, that will be tied to his annual salary. The higher the base pay and talent fee, the lower the bonus.

A set of performance-based incentives -- not to exceed $1 million -- is included, as well as up to $100,000 for summer camps. Mora’s contract is also expected to include a retention bonus, which can be as high as $350,000; a low-interest home loan; up to two vehicles; and a country club membership.

The contract can be extended by one year each time the Bruins win at least eight regular-season games. The contract will be paid for “exclusively” from department revenues and private donations.

Final contracts on all football coaches have yet to be approved by the Board of Regents, but defensive coordinator Lou Spanos, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone and strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi are expected to receive two-year deals.

Spanos can earn up to $550,000 annually. Mazzone could earn up to $350,000 in 2012 and $375,000 in 2013. Alosi, hired to work only with the football team, can receive $225,000 annually.

At the March meeting, the regents were presented with a contract for receivers coach Eric Yarber.

Yarber, who has one year left on a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will receive $156,000 in 2012 and $275,000 in 2013.

The team’s nine assistant coaches could all receive incentives that cannot exceed $100,000.

UCLA still owes former offensive coordinator Mike Johnson $390,000 for the second year of his contract.

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Jim Mora set to become highest paid coach in UCLA history