UW gives almost $400,000 in bonuses to its coaches, and Alvarez plans to do it again

University of Wisconsin coaches received nearly $400,000 in exceptional achievement award bonuses in 2009-10, a development that seemingly runs counter to a series of major cost-cutting initiatives that took place during the school year. UW Athletic Department officials directed coaches in 23 sports and supervisors in 22 support units to cut their operating budgets by 5 percent. It was the second consecutive year that services such as sports medicine, academic services, communications and marketing were directed to make such reductions. In addition, the state directed its employees to take 2-percent pay reductions and take eight unpaid furlough days. But 51 Badgers coaches ? including assistants and strength and conditioning staffers ? received bonuses totaling $391,573 for various achievements, including bowl berths, NCAA tournament participation, Big Ten Conference titles and individual awards.