NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell earned $34 million for 2014

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell earned just over $34 million for 2014, according to the league’s tax filing released Tuesday.

That total is actually down a bit from 2013 ($35 million) and 2012, when Goodell collected $44.2 million, including $9 million in bonuses and deferred pension.

The payments for 2014 — a difficult season for the league and the commissioner that involved high-profile player misconduct cases and a revamping of the NFL conduct policy — included a $26.5-million bonus negotiated the previous year.

Goodell came under heavy criticism in 2014 for his decisions in the Ray Rice case, and other incidents involving Adrian Peterson and Kevin Hardy drew headlines. Though the public and the players’ union questioned his ability to handle his duties, the 32 team owners have shown nothing but solid support for Goodell, who just finished his 10th season as commissioner.

By comparison, PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem made $11.2 million in 2014, with a one-time payoff on an incentive plan worth $3.7 million. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s most recent public earnings were $9.6 million. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver makes about $10 million.

The tax filing is for the league’s 2014 calendar year, starting April 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2015.

NFL notes

New England linebacker Jerod Mayo said he is retiring after eight seasons with the Patriots. Mayo, 29, was the 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft.

Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons, he announced. Mathis, 35, played the last three seasons with the Lions and was a steady performer when he was on the field.

Also, the Lions released running back Joique Bell on Tuesday, less than a year after he signed a two-year deal with the team.

The Chicago Bears released offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod after he made just four starts in 12 games last season. Bushrod, 31, signed a five-year deal with Chicago in 2013 that included $17.7 million in guaranteed money.

The Denver Broncos have hired Klint Kubiak as an offensive assistant who will work with the team’s quarterbacks.

The eldest son of head Coach Gary Kubiak replaces Brian Callahan, who joined the Detroit Lions as their quarterbacks coach.

College football notes

Brigham Young quarterback Taysom Hill plans to return for another season. Hill announced via Twitter that he plans to apply for a waiver and is likely to be granted another season by the NCAA.

The senior quarterback missed most of the 2015 season after injuring his foot in the opener against Nebraska.

Hill, who also missed games in the 2012 and 2014 seasons because of injuries, was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2013 after passing for 2,938 yards and rushing for 1,344 yards.

Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer said there will be an open competition between the quarterbacks despite the presence of Tanner Mangum, who became the first BYU freshman to throw for 3,000 yards last season.

Arizona State has hired Joe Seumalo to be its defensive line coach.