UNI will pay football coach Todd Stepsis $325,000 per year

More money available with bonuses for FCS playoffs and wins against FBS team

CEDAR FALLS — New Northern Iowa football coach Todd Stepsis has signed a five-year contract through Jan. 31, 2030, according to contract details acquired through an open records request.

An additional year is added to the five-year deal upon a first FCS playoff appearance, or a seven-win season in 2025 or 2026.

Stepsis’ base salary is $325,000 over the five years of the contract and includes numerous performance and academic bonuses.

He was given a payroll of $800,000 for 10 assistant coaches and a director of operations, and the terms and conditions add that “the payroll will increase to $900,000 per year provided the Foundation funds the salary increase.” .

Logistically, the terms of the contract provided $20,000 for moving and/or temporary housing costs. A courtesy vehicle and country club membership are also included.

An FCS playoff appearance comes with a $10,000 bonus for Stepsis and a $20,000 bonus pool to distribute to assistant coaches. A national coach of the year award offers a $10,000 bonus, while a Missouri Valley Football Conference coach of the year receives a $5,000 bonus. An MVFC championship includes a $15,000 bonus, while a shared conference championship carries a $5,000 bonus.

A $4,000 bonus is awarded for each FCS playoff victory, as is $5,000 for a win against an FBS opponent. A $25,000 bonus for a second-place finish in the FCS National Championship and $50,000 for winning a national title.

Academically, all bonuses become ineligible if the football team’s annual APR is below 930. Meanwhile, if the team’s annual APR is 985 and above, it causes a bonus of 10,000 $.

If another institution seeks to hire Stepsis from UNI, its buyout obligations decrease by 25 percent during the first four years of its contract. Starting with a buyout obligation of 100 percent in the first year and 25 percent of his annual compensation in the fourth year.

If the university wishes to terminate Stepsis without cause, it requires 100 percent of the remaining salary for the first 12 months after termination and 65 percent of the salary from the 13th month until the end of the unexpired term, without compensation .