Facing a projected $5 million budget shortfall after the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the NCAA Tournament and spring sports, West Virginia University on Friday implemented pay cuts and furloughs in its athletic department.
WVU athletic director Shane Lyons called the moves “absolutely necessary” in a video conference call Friday afternoon.
“It became obvious that action was needed,” Lyons said. “Salary reductions and furloughs are never easy, but with a $5 million shortfall, it was absolutely necessary.”
Lyons announced 10% salary reductions for himself, football coach Neal Brown, men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins, women’s basketball coach Mike Carey and baseball coach Randy Mazey.
Coaches and athletic staff making more than $100,000 will take a 5% salary reduction and those making less than $100,000 are subject to a 2.5% salary reduction.
In addition, nearly one-third of the athletic department — 65 employees — will be furloughed for 60 days, starting May 24 and ending July 26. Some of those positions will not be filled nor will any current job openings.
“What I shared with the staff is that it is a one-year reduction,” Lyons said. “My hope is that it would only be for one year moving forward and that we have to get through this storm.”
Even so, those moves account for $3 million, leaving the possibility that more cuts could be coming. Lyons stressed he remains “optimistic” that WVU will play football this fall, emphasizing the health and safety of student-athletes will be at the forefront of any decision, and is hopeful a spike in athletic donations and season-ticket sales by the June 1 deadline will provide assistance.
Lyons estimated season-ticket sales are down 10% to 15% from last year.
Lyons also noted that ongoing construction projects involving Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium and the WVU Coliseum won’t be affected because they were earmarked gifts. He did allow that selling naming rights to the Coliseum and other venues could provide a financial boost.
“There’s just a lot of moving parts right now and unfortunately no answers,” Lyons said. “It’s not just a matter of flipping a switch.”
