Michigan State gives AD Hollis new contract

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis was awarded a new contract Monday that could nearly double his current salary and could renew every year.

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis was awarded a new contract Monday that could nearly double his current salary and could renew every year.

Hollis, who Sports Business Journal named the top athletic director in the country last month, will see his base pay increase from $395,000 per year to $600,000 annually. In addition, he'll be eligible for a $100,000 longevity bonus every July.

Hollis' original contract ran through 2016. Now, it will rollover into a new five-year deal every July 1. That deal is similar to the one Michigan State has with men's basketball coach Tom Izzo.

The Spartans have enjoyed success in several areas under Hollis. He hired football coach Mark Dantonio, who has led Michigan State to back-to-back 10-win seasons and a victory in the Outback Bowl over Georgia last season.

Hollis has also pioneered several concepts, including an outdoor hockey game against Michigan and last year's men's basketball game on a U.S. aircraft carrier against North Carolina.