Stolz Decides to Stay at SDSU, Agrees to Contract Extension
Influenced by an improved financial package and community support, football Coach Denny Stolz signed a one-year contract extension with San Diego State Wednesday morning.
Stolz had been a candidate for the Arizona coaching position, which Ohio State’s Earle Bruce turned down Wednesday. SDSU officials helped sway Stolz by extending his contract through 1991 and putting together a financial package that will pay Stolz about $130,000 annually, according to university sources.
Arizona’s total coaching package is reported to be worth about $200,000.
Stolz, 52, has a base salary of $57,500, and he earned about $30,000 in additional revenue in 1986. His benefits will increase in 1987 with expected revenue from a prospective weekly television show and cash donations from the Greater San Diego Sports Assn. Stolz’s base salary must remain the same through 1991 under the California State University system’s union contract.
Though he did not make it public, Stolz said he decided Monday night to remain at SDSU.
Stolz said major factors in his decision included the enlarged football facility being constructed at SDSU, positive reception from local recruits, the fondness he and his wife, Cena, have for San Diego and playing in the Holiday Bowl.
“The Holiday Bowl was a great shot in the arm personally and for the program,” Stolz said. “Don’t think that didn’t have a factor in my decision. I like that kind of competition. I like playing against the best.”
He was terse when asked whether the increased financial package influenced his decision.
“Yes,” he said. “Dr. Miller will comment on that.”
Fred Miller, SDSU athletic director, has had preliminary discussions with Channel 8 officials about a television show.
“That has been a void here,” he said. “We haven’t had impact in the television marketplace. We need Denny out front as our spokesman. We can’t keep him hiding.”
Bill Moylan, Channel 8 station manager, said: “Nothing is finalized either way. Fred Miller is very interested, and we’re interested if we can work something out. I think there’s an excellent chance we will. I won’t say it’s set because it isn’t.”
The sports association also has informally agreed to help improve Stolz’s package. The matter will be discussed at an association executive board meeting Wednesday, then voted on at a general board meeting Jan. 26.
“I talked to Fred a couple of days ago,” said Chris Franovich, association president. “I wrote him a letter and said we would do whatever we can. I can’t speak for 35 men (on the general board). I’d say chances are very good we’ll support the San Diego State athletic program, which is mainly football at the present time.”
In the past week, Stolz said he had preliminary conversations with “a number of people.” Arizona and Washington State were foremost.
“It’s nice to be wanted,” Stolz said. “It’s flattering, but I like it here too. . . . I think it’s very important for coaches to assess themselves and where they want to be. Every job is not fit for every person. I only pick jobs and locations where I think I can be successful. There are a lot of fine jobs out there. Not all are for the same football coach.”
Stolz’s marketability increased when he was named Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1986 after leading the Aztecs to their first conference championship. He has a 117-78-2 career record, including a 39-38 loss to Iowa in last month’s Holiday Bowl.
Miller says SDSU is prepared if Stolz’s name resurfaces in regard to future coaching vacancies.
“We’re not getting into a bidding war every year,” Miller said. “We think we’re competitive. That’s our intention. Does that mean we’ll be additive every year? I think the president would have something to say about that. The answer is no. . . . We have a contract there now to show good faith from our institution. If an individual wants to leave for any reason, we don’t believe in slavery.”