Boise State's Chris Petersen Doesn't Deserve His Latest Contract

The Idaho Statesman is reporting that Boise State's head football coach Chris Petersen will receive a brand new contract.

It's reportedly a five-year deal that pays Petersen $2 million his first year, $2.2 million the second, $2.4 million year three, $2.6 million year four, and then finishes at $2.8 million the last year of the contract.

This new contract is a far stretch from the coach's first-year agreement in 2006, when he signed for $500,000 per year.

However, this new contract is sure to rile some who think that football gets too much attention and who have a problem paying that much money to one man.

There will no doubt be critics who question whether or not Petersen is worth such value.

Well, the truth is—Petersen is worth much more.

This contract is great, and it's probably the best that Boise State can do. You can be sure that Petersen is thankful for the increase.

However, if you look at all that this man has done through his excellent leadership, he deserves even more.

If you have been around the BSU campus lately, you will see several new dorm facilities, academic buildings, and of course the Stueckle Sky Center which towers above Bronco Stadium like a trophy to the Bronco football program's success.

You might also remember that the Broncos football program won the American Football Coaches Association Academic Achievement Award last year based on the 100 percent graduation rate for members of the 2004 class.

Not only that, but as mentioned in a bleacherreport.com report back in September, the Broncos were officially congratulated by the NCAA for their achievement in the most recent Division I Academic Progress Report. The Broncos scored a 981, which is in the top 10 percent of schools in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision)

So what does this have to do with Petersen and his new contract? Everything!

None of these accomplishments occurred before Petersen arrived, and everyone of them listed is a direct result of Chris Petersen's leadership.

Of course, he has had help, a lot of help. But, that was a direct result of him knowing how to pick good people to place around himself.

Petersen himself would probably not like this kind of praise, again proving what kind of man he is, but credit must be given where credit is due.

Props should also go to Boise State President Bob Kustra. Under his leadership, the Broncos have been able to keep the best coach in Boise State's history from jumping ship and pursuing employment elsewhere.

In the Petersen era, Boise State has been able to go from a mid-major passing fad to a major program with staying power.

The increased fanbase, revenue and exposure has helped to elevate the university to new heights.

The added value has helped President Kustra in an effort to fulfill the vision he has had for BSU, and it will only continue to do so.

Other things to consider:

Since Chris Petersen took over in 2006, he has a 73-6 record, and he has led the Broncos to four bowl-game victories including two BCS games.

Enrollment at the University is at an all-time high, and expansion of the campus, academic programs, and services to the community are ever increasing.

The exposure and revenue the program has generated could not possibly be totaled, but the effect has been felt all over Boise and the surrounding area.

Add to that, the revenue that the football program provides for other sports programs at the university and you have a pretty impressive resume'.

Bronco Stadium is now getting ready to be upgraded, and the Bronco's football program will enter the Big East Conference in 2013.

Again, this was all done while coach Chris Petersen was at the helm.

Everything that has been accomplished in just six short seasons is simply amazing and impressive.

Does all that Petersen has accomplished warrant a $2 to $2.8 million a year contract?

No—Petersen deserves much, much more.

However, it is certainly a great contract, and the biggest in BSU history.

Kudos to Bob Kustra and Boise State for stepping up and taking care of the man who has taken great care of them.