Tom Arth decided the Akron opening was the right place for a homecoming of sorts when he decided to leave UT-Chattanooga to become the new head coach of the Zips, and now we've got a look at the deal that brought him back to Ohio.
The former John Carroll (D-III - OH) head coach and player will make $500,000 annually, according to Crains Cleveland, who shared some of the contract details between Arth and Akron. Of that $500k, $425k is salary, $50k is designated for media appearances and work, and $25k is from a shoe and apparel deal.
The highest paid coaches in the MAC, according to USA Today's latest research, are Western Michigan's Tim Lester ($800k), NIU's Rod Carey ($633k) and Ohio's Frank Solich ($580k). Former Central Michigan head coach John Bonamego was the second highest paid coach in the league at $655k before being let go in late November.
Arth made $185,000 annually the past two seasons at Chattanooga.
His predecessor at Akron, Terry Bowden, made right around $411,000 annually, and was one of the lowest paid head coaches in the country, according to the USA Today Salary database. Arth's salary would put him in the same pay range as Jay Norvell (Nevada), Jay Hopson (Southern Mississippi) - who both pull in $500k annually, and just below MAC colleague Chuck Martin (Miami, OH), who makes just over $524,000.
The finalized contact also has a stipulation that Arth will "not seek or apply for other positions without prior notice" from Akron.
After 24 months, Akron will have an option for a two-year extension.
As far as buyouts go, Arth would be responsible for $100k for each year remaining on his deal, and if he's fired without cause, Akron would owe him 75% of his base salary for the remainder of his deal.
Head here to read more on the deal, including some interesting incentives and how Akron plans to pay UTC their buyout.