A New Direction for UND Hockey
University of North Dakota (UND) announced this week that it has revised the contract of head coach Dane Jackson, boosting his compensation and securing the services of his entire coaching staff for the foreseeable future. The agreement, funded by private donors, raises Jackson’s base salary to a level that aligns with peer programs in collegiate hockey and adds a suite of performance‑based incentives tied to conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
The contract extensions also cover key staff members, including Bill Chaves, Brett Larson, and Scott Sandelin, ensuring continuity in a program that has quickly become a model of stability and ambition. In addition to a higher guaranteed salary, the deals incorporate bonuses for winning various titles and for deep runs in the NCAA tournament, reflecting the university’s confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to sustain success.
On‑Ice Triumph Fuels Momentum
Jackson’s first season produced immediate results: the Fighting Hawks captured the Penrose Cup and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four, a feat that underscored the effectiveness of the new culture, leadership, and vision he introduced. The program’s rapid ascent attracted four prominent recruits, among them first‑round picks Carson Carels and Liam Ruck, signaling a recruiting pipeline that could keep the team competitive for years to come.
The momentum extends beyond the ice. Alumni, donors, and fans have rallied around the program, providing financial support that makes the new contracts possible. This collective commitment has positioned UND as a benchmark for how private investment can amplify athletic ambition while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
While the previous coaching era under Brad Berry concluded with a $493,500 buyout after one year remaining on his contract, the new arrangement reflects a strategic shift toward longer‑term stability and performance‑linked compensation. By aligning financial incentives with on‑ice achievements, UND aims to sustain a competitive edge in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and beyond.