Fedora receives $35,000 raise

A contract was recently approved to give USM head football coach Larry Fedora a one-year contract extension and $35,000 raise.

Fedora's contract came under review in December of last year, after he lead the Golden Eagles to two consecutive winning seasons and bowl trips. The contract extension was approved last spring, and finalized by the Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning at a recent meeting.

With the new contract, Fedora will earn about $685,000. This contract will be effective until December 2013.

Richard Giannini, Director of Athletics for USM, believes Fedora deserves the contract extension and raise that come along with it.

"The only coach to have a better first three-year record was Curly Hallman, who had a three-year starter at quarterback by the name of Brett Favre," Giannini said, "We are now 7-3, been assured of our 17th consecutive winning season and are bowl-eligible again."

Some faculty and students have expressed concern about Fedora receiving a raise amid such difficult economic times for the university. However, President Martha Saunders aims to set those minds at ease.

When asked how she would respond to those people upset about the raise Saunders said, "I would tell them I understand their concern. As part of our normal business activity, we continue to renew contracts."

Saunders also commented on raising pay for other employees, not just in the athletic department.

"We also provided raises to faculty and other employees this year through tenure, promotion, and equity raises," Saunders said, "Student employees have received hourly increases as well."

In response to those students and faculty who are hesitant about Fedora's raise, Giannini said they should not worry.

Giannini said, "Sixty-five percent of athletics revenue is self-generated and no state funds are being used for coaches salaries."

Sophomore Brett Rushing of Brandon, Miss., believes that both Fedora's contract extension and raise are undeserved.

"We hired Fedora to bring the Southern Miss football team to the next level. That encompasses Conference championships and BCS rankings," Rushing said, "In two seasons he has given Southern Miss the same thing we had under Jeff Bower."

Rushing also pointed out inconsistency on the field under Fedora.

"The defense seems stout some games, and lost in others," Rushing. "The offense will look fantastic one week, but then sputter the next. The only way to warrant a raise/extension is on-the-field success."

Rushing still has hope however. "We'll see if the right decision was made next year. Next year is do or die. If we have the same results, the big money donors will be heard."