UPDATE: Colorado State University officially introduces Jim Mora as its 25th head football coach today at Canvas Stadium. Mora’s five-year contract makes him the highest-paid coach in CSU history, starting with a base salary of $2.4 million.
Mora’s deal features significant escalations, increasing by $100,000 annually, ultimately reaching $2.8 million by 2030. His predecessor, Jay Norvell, earned $1.6 million in his first year, highlighting the financial commitment CSU is making to turn the program around.
In addition to the base salary, Mora will receive a $150,000 signing bonus, payable within 100 days of his hire. His contract also includes a $150,000 retention bonus if he remains with the program in good standing after each season.
The contract outlines performance-based bonuses, allowing Mora to earn up to $400,000 for leading the Rams to a 12-win season. Additional incentives include $75,000 for reaching the Pac-12 Conference championship, and bonuses for bowl game appearances that can add up to $75,000 for winning a bowl game.
Mora’s contract also specifies buyout amounts if he leaves before the contract expires, starting at $5 million in 2026 and decreasing each year thereafter. CSU is responsible for a $1.5 million buyout owed to his previous employer, UConn.
In a bid to elevate the CSU football program from its troubling 2-10 record last season, Mora’s success will also be tied to academic achievements and fan engagement. Should the Rams achieve an 80% graduation success rate, or improve home attendance by 10%, Mora stands to gain additional bonuses.
With a compensation pool for assistant coaches and support staff set at $5 million, up from Norvell’s $3 million, CSU is clearly investing heavily in its football future. Mora’s ability to lead the Rams back to prominence is not only a matter of wins and losses but also of academic success and community engagement.
The CSU community eagerly anticipates what Mora will bring to the program. As he steps into this critical role, all eyes are on him to drive the Rams towards a successful season and beyond.
