NIU extends Doeren’s contract

DeKALB — Northern Illinois extended the contract of head football coach Dave Doeren by one year Thursday and will raise his salary by nearly $50,000 after the first-year head coach led NIU to its first Mid-American Conference championship in 28 years and secured the school’s second straight 10-win season.

The extension means Doeren’s contract now runs through June 30, 2017, while his annual salary increases from $371,000 to $420,000. NIU also made adjustments to Doeren’s buyout amounts in future years. The raise puts Doeren’s salary in the top three in the MAC, according to the most recent figures available.

“We feel like we have the best coach in the MAC and we wanted to be sure his contract reflected that,” said Jeff Compher, NIU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics. “It’s important for us to be at the top of the league as we continue to build on this championship season and move our program forward.”

Doeren, 40, said he is appreciative of the support of the NIU administration, including Compher and Northern Illinois President Dr. John Peters.

“I feel the warmth that they’ve shown to me and my family and how much they want us to be a part of what’s going on here,” Doeren said. “To reward us, in tough economic times, shows their dedication to not only me and my staff, but the work that we’ve done in a short year. I really appreciate it and look forward to what’s ahead.”