Michigan State announces pay cuts in athletic department, including salaries of Tom Izzo and Mel Tucker

Tom Izzo and Mel Tucker will have their salaries reduced by 7% to help the department combat losses sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan State University has announced a number of salary reductions in the athletic department to help cope with financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and football coach Mel Tucker will see their salaries reduced by the most total money, while athletic director Bill Beekman will take the greatest cut by percentage at 10% of his $772,00- salary. All staff members that make $100,000 or more annually will see a reduction in pay.

Izzo and Tucker are among a number of coaches making more than $500,000 that will see their pay reduced by 7%. Also included are six of Tucker’s assistants and MSU women’s basketball coach Suzy Merchant.

Tucker’s reduction will come off his base pay, which is listed as $3.8 million. Meanwhile Izzo’s base pay is around $430,000, but his salary reduction will be based off of his total compensation, which is closer to $3.5 million.

Other reductions within the department will be levied on a tiered scale: 6% for salaries between $400,000 to $499,999, 5% for salaries between $300,000 to $399,999, 4% for salaries between $200,000 to $299,999, 2.25% for salaries between $150,000 to $199,999, and 2% for salaries between $100,000 to $149,999.

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