Purdue football coach Jeff Brohm's new contract features $1.7M signing bonus

WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana - How much did it cost Purdue to keep Jeff Brohm from leaving for Louisville?

The details were released Friday after the school's board of trustees approved a new seven-year contract, which includes retention bonuses and a $1.7 million signing bonus spread over two payments 

The total value of Brohm's new deal is $36.8 million over the seven years, which includes supplemental income, base salary, retention bonuses and the signing bonus. 

Assuming Brohm remains Purdue's coach through the 2019 season, he will earn $5.35 million in the first year of the deal and $5.65 million in the second year. Brohm's signing bonus is fully guaranteed and he would receive the full amount even if he's fired or leaves for another job. 

In 2021, Brohm's salary falls to $4.9 million but increases $100,000 each year through 2024 where he'll earn $5.3 million, including retention bonuses. In 2025, Brohm's salary is listed at $4.8 million with no retention bonus. 

Overall, Brohm is scheduled to earn $3.6 million in retention bonuses through the life of the contract. Following the 2017 season, Brohm agreed to a seven-year deal worth $29 million after leading the Boilermakers to the Foster Farms Bowl.

Brohm is 13-13 in two seasons but has become a desirable candidate throughout college football. Brohm flirted with Tennessee after the 2017 season but he elected to stay and was rewarded with a new contract. 

When Louisville fired Bobby Petrino in November, the school approached Brohm, who listened to his hometown university but decided to remain in West Lafayette. The program’s quick rise out of the Big Ten’s basement has made Brohm and his offensive system an appealing choice for schools to pursue.

Brohm and his staff signed a top 25 recruiting class in 2019 and fans are already seeing the dividends based on how defensive end George Karlaftis and safety Jalen Graham performed in spring practice. More talent from the 2019 class will arrive in the summer.

Brohm’s assistants also received pay raises totaling over $100,000 for eight coaches, according to information obtained by the Journal & Courier through an open records request and separate from Friday's board meeting. 

Purdue currently has nine full-time coaches with the addition of Greg Brown, who joined the program in February, replacing Derrick Jackson. Brown’s salary for the 2019 season is $410,000, a $90,000 increase of Jackson’s 2018 salary.

Brohm has one full-time opening available after the departure of tight ends and special teams coach Mark Tommerdahl, who was scheduled to earn $340,000 in 2019. Kevin Wolthausen is overseeing special teams and defensive ends.

Brohm’s salary pool for assistants is now $4.35 million, which is $380,000 more compared to 2018 and an increase of $850,000 from 2017.  

• Nick Holt, co-defensive coordinator/linebackers: $645,000 ($620,000 in 2018). Holt will receive a one-time $25,000 retention bonus on Sept. 1.

• Anthony Poindexter, co-defensive coordinator/safeties: $460,000 ($450,000)

• Brian Brohm, co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks: $435,000 ($425,000)

• JaMarcus Shephard, co-offensive coordinator/receivers: $425,000 ($415,000)

• Greg Brown, cornerbacks: $410,000

• Reggie Johnson, defensive line: $250,000 ($240,000)

• Dale Williams, offensive line: $250,000 ($240,000)

• Chris Barclay, running backs: $250,000 ($230,000)

• Kevin Wolthausen, special teams/defensive ends: $235,000 ($225,000)

• Greg Brohm, executive director of football administration and operations/chief of staff: $245,000 ($235,000). Greg Brohm’s compensation is part of the coaches salary pool.