It was revealed almost three weeks ago that Cincinnati’s co-defensive coordinator Hank Hughes was heading to Nebraska in the same capacity. Now we know how much Ol’ Dreary-butt is raking in at his new gig.
"The Lincoln Journal-Star has obtained salary information for Mike Riley’s staff. Defensive coordinator Mark Banker – $550,000; offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf – $500,000; special teams coordinator Bruce Read – $450,000; offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh – $400,000; running backs coach Reggie Davis – $325,000; defensive line coach Hank Hughes – $300,000; defensive backs coach Charlton Warren – $250,000; linebackers coach Trent Bray – $250,000; strength coach Mark Phillipp – $200,000. Six of the assistants’ contracts run through the 2016 season, while Bray is on a one-year deal and Langsdorf’s contract runs through the 2017 season."
Hughes’ $300,000 is a $50,000 increase over what he made at Cincinnati. Now, the former defensive coordinator had a $42,000 bonus built into his contract, which would make his salary jump from the Bearcats to the Cornhuskers less dramatic. However, Hughes is probably also bonus eligible at Nebraska and it’s unclear just how much of that $42,000 he was awarded.
Cincinnati finished the 2014 season 98th in total defense, 68th in scoring defense, 87th in rushing defense, and 100th in passing defense. At one point the Bearcats were dead last in many of those categories. So it’s probably a good bet that Hughes didn’t see much of that bonus money last season.
This is of course the final note in the story of Hank Hughes at Cincinnati. His departure opened up the door for current cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale to take over his duties along with existing co-defensive coordinator Robert Prunty.
Best of luck at Nebraska, Hank. I hope the Cornhuskers aren’t effectively throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars down the drain with you at the helm.