BTN.com staff, March 24, 2014

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved a new compensation package for Gary Andersen, the team announced Monday in a press release. The new package calls for a salary increase to $2.2 million for 2014 with a $100,000 increase each year during the life of the five-year deal. The increase, according to Wisconsin, will not be funded with tax or tuition dollars.

Here's what Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said in the release:

?I first began to consider an adjustment to Coach Andersen?s compensation package toward the end of the 2013 season,? Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said. ?I felt then, and now, that he did an excellent job not only with the team?s on-field performance, but also in developing a program that puts the student-athletes first in all aspects. He has quickly become someone that Badger fans have rallied around and identified with.

?Then some weeks later, as has been reported, the Cleveland Browns approached Coach Andersen about their vacant head coaching position. Gary did not ask directly or even imply that his salary should be increased, but that only re-affirmed my thoughts about adjusting his compensation.

?I?ve always believed that we should do what we can to keep good coaches in our department and that is why I wanted to take this proactive approach with Coach Andersen.?

Andersen is entering his second season as Wisconsin?s head coach. He guided the Badgers to a 9-4 record and a berth in the Capital One Bowl in 2013.