By Associated Press - Thursday, October 5, 2017

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) - Rutgers has given athletic director Pat Hobbs a new contract less than two years after he took over the department that was reeling from a football scandal that led to the firing of coach Kyle Flood and athletic director Julie Hermann.

The university’s board of governor’s approved a contract extension, university spokeswoman Kim Manning said Thursday evening.

“Pat Hobbs is an outstanding leader of the Rutgers Athletics program,” the university said in a statement. “He took over the department at a difficult time and took immediate steps to set the program on a positive course. He has effectively managed NCAA compliance issues and has revamped the coaching staff. He has achieved unprecedented fundraising success, which has led to numerous improvements in facilities for our current and future student athletes.”

During Hobbs’ 22-month tenure, the university has constructed the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, practice facilities for football and men’s and women’s basketball, strength and conditioning centers, and a new baseball complex.

“Under Pat’s leadership, Rutgers Athletics is on a positive trajectory and he is positioning the program for success at every level,” the university said.

Hobbs contract extension is guaranteed through the 2021-22 season and could extend to 2023-24 and beyond.

Hobbs’ original five-year contract called for him to make $560,000 annually.

Under the new deal, Hobbs’ base salary increases from $560,000 to $615,000. It will increase to $625,000 the following year and to $635,000 in the school year ending June 30, 2020. Rutgers will annually credit Hobbs $100,000 in deferred compensation for each year of the contract, for as long as he’s employed as the AD.

After 2019-20, Hobbs’ annual guaranteed base salary shall be no less than $635,000 but will adjust to the median salary of his peers in the Big Ten if that figure is higher than his current salary.

NJ Advance Media first reported the details of the contract.

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