Wednesday, December 12, 2001
Miami extends Hoeppner's pact
Coach signed through 2005
By Ian Duthie
Enquirer contributor
OXFORD — The last time the Miami RedHawks won the Mid-American Conference football championship and appeared in a bowl (1986), Terry Hoeppner was a young assistant.
Since 1999, when he succeeded Randy Walker as head coach, Hoeppner's goal has been to guide the RedHawks back to glory. Now he has been given more time to get it done.
On Tuesday, athletic director Joel Maturi announced a two-year contract extension for Hoeppner through 2005.
Hoeppner, 54, had two years left on his initial contract. Hoeppner's base salary of $107,500 will increase in the new deal, Maturi said, but specifics are not yet set. Hoeppner, who was recruiting, was not available Tuesday.
“Terry has meant so much to Miami and the community,” Maturi said. “He has a pretty good record, but more important is his commitment to Miami. I think he is moving our program along to our goals of winning a (Mid-American Conference) championship and getting to a bowl game.”
Hoeppner has led Miami to a 20-14 record while finishing second, third and second in the MAC East Division. By winning seven games in his inaugural season, Hoeppner became only the fourth coach in Miami history to do so. The RedHawks finished 7-5 this season, winning seven consecutive games and falling just short of reaching the MAC championship game after losing to Marshall.
“We all wanted him to be our coach after Randy left,” senior Andy Brumbergs said. “We knew him and felt comfortable around him. He treats us like men, and (the players) all respect him as a coach and what he does for us (outside of football).”
Maturi pointed to other factors that led to the extension. “We have not had any outside problems with any of our players for over a year,” Maturi said. “Much of this has to go to how Terry runs the program and the type of kids he recruits to come to Miami.”
Hoeppner has shown the ability to sign talented high school players, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
NOTABLE: Roethlisberger and defensive back Matt Pusateri have been named third-team freshman All-Americans by The Sporting News.
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Miami extends Hoeppner's pact
