Details of Flynn, assistants' severance released
Although Head Football Coach Dick Flynn has resigned his position effective Nov. 22, CMU will still compensate him for another full year.
Under terms of the Faculty Association contract, Flynn, who is an associate professor of intercollegiate athletics, will continue to receive his full salary and benefits through the end of this year, CMU Athletics Director Herb Deromedi said.
Then, from Jan. 1, 2000 until Nov. 22, 2000, Flynn will continue to receive a portion of his current salary, which Deromedi would not release.
The deal for Flynn's staff is a little different, but they, too, will receive their full salary and benefits until Dec. 31. Then their package begins to differ from Flynn's.
"The assistants will receive a portion of their salary, but no benefits, for six months from the date of the resignation," Deromedi said. He did not disclose the exact percentage of the portion assistants will receive.
Deromedi said this deal does not apply to all members of Flynn's coaching staff.
Defensive Line Coach Jim Schulte and Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Tom Kearly are both grandfathered under old agreements and the terms of their severance agreements are the same as Flynn's.
Kearly has been a CMU assistant for 17 seasons, while Schulte is in his 25th season of coaching at CMU.
Before coaching at Central, Schulte played for CMU under a staff which included Deromedi. Schulte set a single-season record for tackles by a Chippewa with 151 in 1973, which stood for nearly a decade until broken by former NFL-standout Ray Bentley in 1982, who had 173 tackles.
Though he is listed in the media guide as the team's strength and conditioning coach, Denny Starnes is not affected by Flynn's resignation. He will continue to be employed by CMU and serve in his same capacity for other sports, including men's basketball.
As for Flynn receiving another position within the CMU Athletics Department, Deromedi said the issue has not even been brought up.
"There have not been any discussions on that at the present, and right now there are not any vacancies within our department, " Deromedi said.
Deromedi said there have already been approximately 15-20 inquiries about the head coaching position.
"Those interested are being asked to submit a letter of application and a resume," he said.
A committee has been formed to begin reviewing possible applicants and will begin meeting next week.
The committee, chosen by Deromedi, includes himself; Don Peddie, associate professor of physical education and sport; James Damitio, faculty representative to the athletics department and professor of accounting; and Gary Friedman, associate athletics director.
