Mike London Salary At Howard University
Mike London’s salary at Howard University is $750,000. That’s right—a mere $750,000.
Maybe it’s because he’s a new coach and doesn’t deserve a big raise yet, or maybe it’s because he’s not that good at football. Regardless of what your reasoning is, there are plenty of people who will disagree with you.
In fact, there are many people who believe that Mike London should be making more than what he is currently making. For example:
1) His former employer (The University of Richmond) was willing to pay him $900,000 to keep him on board as their head coach. That tells us a lot about how valuable Mike London is as a coach and leader.
2) The average salary for an American teacher is $56k per year—and that includes any bonus they might receive from their district or school board! So if you’re asking yourself why Mike London isn’t making more than $750k per year… well… it doesn’t make sense!
Mike London Salary At Howard University
NORFOLK — As a private school, Howard University is not required to reveal employee salaries. But regarding football coach Mike London, we know this: It’s less than the $300,000 he made last year as a Maryland assistant.
Kery Davis, the Bison’s athletic director, dropped that nugget during London’s introductory press conference Jan. 9. So, yes, London agreed to a pay cut in taking over a program that has had one winning season in the last 12 years.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference held at media day at Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel on Friday, July 28, 2017.
But neither money nor prominence drives him. A man who once had a gun pointed at his head and donated bone marrow to save his daughter’s life can be expected to look at life differently than most.
“It’s a chance for longevity,” London said at the MEAC’s Media Day Friday morning. “My son (Mike Jr.) is on my staff, and I’m regionally close to this area, where I’m from. It’s a similar school to the other schools I’ve been at. I’ve been at educational institutions my whole career.
“It’s not as much to me about status and prestige. I’ve been fortunate to have been at a lot of good places. Howard is a place where we have an opportunity to build something.”
It won’t be easy. Howard went 3-19 in its last two seasons, which cost head coach Gary Harrell his job. Not surprisingly, the Bison was picked ninth in the MEAC’s preseason poll.
One of London’s strengths has always been recruiting, particularly his native 757. He promises to make that a major target in turning the program around.
“Without a doubt,” said London, a 1979 graduate of Bethel High. “By NCAA rules, we’re not allowed to talk about the players that (we) recruit. But if you look at some of the people we have committed to the program now for 2018, it’s a pretty good class. And there a few area codes in there that are reflective.”
Most recently, London received a commitment from Warwick wide receiver Tayshaun Porter.
This will be London’s third head-coaching job, and the first two had mixed results. In two seasons with Richmond, he went 24-5 and won an FCS national championship. He was then hired by Virginia, which he coached to an 8-5 record while being the Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year in his second season.
But from there, the Cavaliers went 4-8, 2-10, 5-7 and 4-8. London officially resigned after the 2015 season.ExpandAutoplay
Image1 of 14
Norfolk State University’s Chris Lee, left, and Marcus Taylor, right, interview with local media during the MEAC Media Day held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel on Friday, July 28, 2017. (Aileen Devlin/Daily Press / )
Asked about his time there, London said he prefers to remember the positive moments.
“You look at things, you reflect on things,” he said, “but I don’t dwell on things.”
London, 56, spent the 2016 season at Maryland as associate head coach. It gave him a chance to not only recharge his batteries but also learn again.
“I became a better football coach,” he said. “I became a better assistant in terms of understanding the head coach’s role and whatever an assistant can do to help minimize some of the things you’re responsible for.
“You get a chance to coach and teach again. You’re not out there fundraising and doing all those things.”
His players see the energy.
“He comes every day motivated,” running back Anthony Philyaw said. “He comes juiced and ready to teach us. And we come ready to learn. It’s a great atmosphere. That’s all you could ask for.”
Hampton native Mike London talks about taking over at Howard. (Dave Johnson/Daily Press)
Philyaw and his teammates have already heard London’s backstory. He is a former Richmond police officer who once had a gun pointed at his head. He still doesn’t know what happened — did the weapon malfunction, or did the suspect have second thoughts?
“I shouldn’t be standing here,” he often tells people.
