Huskies’ James Says He Doesn’t Deserve Pay Raise for 6-5 Season

Washington football Coach Don James, whose Huskies had their worst record in 12 years last season, said Friday that he doesn’t deserve a pay raise.

James declined a salary boost from Athletic Director Mike Lude, citing the team’s 6-5 record.

“That was my decision,” said James, who is in his 14th season at Washington. “I just told Mike that with 6-5, with no bowl, I didn’t deserve something like that.”

Lude said: “He was disappointed in the productivity of the season and he just didn’t want to have a raise. There aren’t many people in the nation like that.”

While James’ pay stayed the same, his assistant coaches got a pay boost. Lude wouldn’t disclose their raises or the amount of James’ salary, except to say the head coach’s salary is “in excess of $100,000.”