by Caleb Fort
Daily Lobo
One head basketball coach costs UNM as much as 10 full professors.
"I think it seems ridiculous," student Trisstin Maroney said. "Think of what else you could spend the money for his salary on - pretty much
anything else."
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Steve Alford's $975,000 salary could also pay for 17 assistant professors or tuition and fees for 225 students.
Athletics Director Paul Krebs announced Alford's hiring and six-year contract Friday.
Student Elisa Bonner said UNM should wait to see how good Alford is before giving him so much money.
"I don't think it's reasonable to give him so much right off the bat," she said. "If we're to become a top-20 school, I think it would be worth it. UNM needs more light shed on it."
Alford has a record of
308-183 in 16 years coaching college basketball.
Maroney said no matter how well the basketball team does, it won't be worth Alford's salary.
"It's a gamble," she said. "Maybe if the team gets really good, a lot more people will show up, and we'll break even. I guess it might build school pride, but if all you have to be proud of is sports, you can't really brag about your school that much."
Former head coach Ritchie McKay earned about $500,000 a year.
Bonner said UNM should have hired more professors or given professors a raise with the money for Alford's paycheck.
"I think it's more important to have good professors who are happy to be here than to have a good coach," she said. "Maybe one or two basketball players will go professional. For the rest of them, and everyone else, their education is going to be more important."
