KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Effective July 1, 2007 head football coach Bill Cubit's contract was amended by Western Michigan University. The amendment raised Cubit's base salary and included production-based incentives in terms of academic and on-field success.

WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard announced the contract amendment today. Discussion on the amendment was under way throughout the spring and was finalized and approved by WMU Interim President Diether H. Haenicke during the final week in office. The amendment changes the compensation terms of Cubit's current contract, which is in effect through Feb. 28, 2010.

Cubit's new base salary has been raised to $191,000 with the new amendment, an increase of $21,000 over his previous base pay. This addition to his base salary is the only aspect of the amendment where University funds are concerned. Another aspect of the amendment is the increase of compensation for public appearances and speaking engagements by $40,000, which will be provided by the University through sponsorship agreements secured by the University with entities external to the University.

"We are honored to have Coach Cubit and thankful for this new amendment to his contract. It is a tremendous statement from the supporters of our football program and from the University to combine an increase in base salary with an incentives package that will come from external funds. The Bronco community played a major role in making this happen and we couldn't be more grateful for everyone's efforts," commented WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard.

The remainder of the amendment to the contract refers to incentive-based compensations with regards to academic and on-field success. As with the speaking engagement and public appearance fees, these compensations will be covered solely through external funding.

Many incentives deal with Mid-American Conference divisional and over all titles as well as increasing levels of compensation for achieving a predetermined level of wins during the regular season. Academics are a major component in this amendment, which shows the importance of a high team grade point average (GPA) and high graduation rate to the football program.

Additional compensation will be provided to Cubit in the event WMU football captures back-to-back divisonal and/or over all MAC titles.

"This is a very incentive-based contract. Our program needs to perform not only on the field but as importantly, in the class room. I understand the climate of our department and our great University and I am grateful to the University for believing in the direction of the Western Michigan football program," commented Cubit.

Preseason camp for WMU football began on August 6 as the Broncos prepare for the 2007 campaign and the season opener at No. 6 West Virginia. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN Regional Television.