by Tera Roberson
Staff Writer
Although the UH football season hasn't officially kicked off, a few key players in the UH Athletics Department may score touchdowns if the Board of Regents approves the proposed raises and position changes in today's meeting.
Along with the many proposals before the Board of Regents today will be the pay increases of William McGillis, Gary Bartel and Daniel Lounsbury.
McGillis is to receive a pay increase to $110,000 from $63,434 for his appointment as interim director of athletics through Aug. 31, or until the position is filled. McGillis is presently senior associate athletic director.
"It's a big increase, but it is commensurate with the increase in responsibility, so I believe it is a fair increase," he said.
His new position will call for him to be in charge of the entire Athletics Department. "I was the number two person and, at least for this interim period, I am responsible for the entire program," McGillis said.
McGillis said head football coach Kim Helton made several changes in his coaching staff for the coming season, which resulted in position changes and pay increases for his staff.
"Coach Helton made a number of changes on his coaching staff this spring, and that included the promotion of Gary Bartel to the defensive coordinator position," McGillis said.
Bartel, formerly the defensive backfield coach, has the added responsibility of coordinating the entire defense of the team, but he is enthused about the changes.
"I am very excited about the opportunity. We have a good group of coaches to work with. I am happy to be here," Bartel said.
The new position will result in him receiving a pay increase to $68,000 from $52,234 for the coming year, a figure he jokingly discussed. "You get a pay raise, but your responsibility is much greater," Bartel said.
Although Bartel is set to receive a substantial pay increase, the amount is considered toward the low end of salaries among other coaches in his position from schools like Texas A&M and Cincinnati.
When Rex Ryan, a defensive coordinator for Cincinnati, was asked if he thought the position was worthy of $68,000, he would only say he would never do the job for such a small amount. When asked how much he actually makes for doing the equivalent of Bartel's job in Cincinnati, he said, "More than that."
Offensive line coach Lounsbury's raise to $68,000 from $58,234 was attributed to a change in job responsibilities.
Wendy Adair, vice chancellor of public affairs, said UH System Chancellor/UH President Arthur Smith was comfortable with the proposed position changes and salary increases because it has only redefined the job duties of the coaches and is still within the budget of the Athletics Department.
The positions have been effective since April 2, but will receive final approval today when the Board of Regents meets.