UNC throws more money Fox's way

Mike Fox

When it comes to paying college coaches, baseball coaches are down the totem poll from their football and basketball bretheren. But they still make a good living. 

Just ask UNC's Mike Fox.

Fox, who served as head baseball coach and athletic director at N.C. Wesleyan during the mid-80s through the 90s and won the Div. III national title (1989) with the Bishops, just got his contract extended. 

Fox spent 15 years in Rocky Mount prior to going to Chapel Hill. He also has a sister who lives here.

It was one of the things outgoing North Carolina athletics director Dick Baddour did before handing his keys over to Bubba Cunningham. He did the same for mens basketball coach Roy Williams and women's basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell.

Fox, who was already the highest paid college baseball coach in the state, pushed his lead way ahead of his fellow keepers of the diamond. 

Fox, in his 14th season as a head coach at his alma mater, got a $20,000 raise to his base salary at $180,000 for 2011-12. 

It will move to $220,000 in 2012-13, $240,000 in 2013-14, $250,000 in 2014-15 and $260,000 in each of the following three seasons. He also will receive an expense allowance ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 and is eligible to receive standard bonuses for advancing in the postseason and for academic progress rates.

From data from the UNC system through contracts signed by Aug. 2009,  here are the top paid baseball coaches among the 16 UNC campuses. Ironically, the top three have ties to Nash County.

1. $180,000 - Mike Fox, UNC-Chapel Hill (lived in RM, NCWC baseball coach/AD)

2. $132,500 - Billy Godwin, East Carolina (Northern Nash graduate, NCWC asst.)

3. $112,150 - Elliott Avent, N.C. State (Northern Nash graduate, NCWC asst.)

4. $95,000 - Robert Moranda, Western Carolina

5. $89,145 - Chris Pollard, Appalachian State