Kansas coaches Bill Self, Les Miles, along with AD, taking 10% salary reductions for six months

The three most prominent figures in University of Kansas athletics will earn less money this year.

To help the athletics department combat financial shortfalls created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayhawk basketball coach Bill Self, football coach Les Miles and athletic director Jeff Long will each take 10% salary reductions beginning May 1, the university announced Monday. The reductions will last six months and are projected to save nearly $500,000.

In a statement, Long said the department will continue to evaluate its future needs to determine whether any additional salary cuts will be needed for fiscal year 2021.

Self, who has been with KU since 2003, has an annual base salary of $3,881,857. 

“KU has been home to us for 17 years, and been very good to our family," he said in the statement. "During our tenure we’ve had our ups and downs, but these turbulent times are unprecedented and the immediate future is unknown,” Self said. "... These times are serious, but temporary, and it’s everyone’s hope that we can return to a safe and prosperous time soon.

“I have no doubt that Allen Fieldhouse is going to be the loudest it’s ever been when we all get together again, and I can’t wait. Let’s all stay positive.”

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Miles, who last season wrapped up his first campaign with the Jayhawks, has an annual base salary of $2.775 million.

“My family and I so enjoy being a part of KU, our athletic community and Lawrence. This is a great place and I enjoy giving to this university,” Miles said. “Returning 10 percent of my salary is something we wanted to do to help a place we’ve quickly grown to love."

Long, who started at KU in 2018, has an annual base salary of $1.5 million. He labeled his own salary reduction as necessary to help the athletic department “get through these tough times.”