UND reshapes Dane Jackson’s contract after breakthrough season

Grand Forks – It’s not every day that a coach’s contract gets a makeover after just one full year on the job, but that’s exactly what happened at the University of North Dakota this week. Athletic director Bill Chaves sat down with head coach Dane Jackson, the associate head coach Matt Smaby and general manager Bryn Chyzyk, and walked out with a revised agreement that locks the trio in until the 2029‑30 season.

Why the sudden rewrite? Well, the Fighting Hawks have been humming. Under Jackson’s guidance, the team captured the Penrose Cup, punched its ticket to the NCAA Frozen Four and, according to the university, built “momentum in recruiting” that could carry it forward for years. Those achievements, combined with a palpable buzz around the program, convinced the administration that a fresh financial package was in order.

The new numbers are pretty straightforward. Jackson’s base salary for the 2026‑27 season will sit at $620,000 – a solid bump from his original deal. Then, come each subsequent year, he’ll see an automatic $35,000 raise. By the time the contract expires in 2029‑30, his base pay will be $725,000. It’s a tidy, predictable schedule that scholarship‑hungry fans and the coach alike can appreciate.

It wasn’t just the head coach who got the perk. Associate head coach Matt Smaby and GM Bryn Chyzyk also signed extensions, though the article didn’t spell out their exact figures. The university’s message was clear: stability at the top is a priority, and they’re willing to back it with money.

For those keeping score, the contract still runs through the same season as the original agreement – 2029‑30 – meaning there’s no surprise extension on the calendar. It’s simply a restructuring of pay that aligns with the success the program has already enjoyed.

Of course, numbers tell only part of the story. Coach Jackson, who stepped into the role a little over a year ago, has spoken about the “energy” in the locker room and the “belief” that the players now have. Those intangible factors, he says, are the real drivers behind the renewed commitment.

In the grand scheme of college hockey, UND’s move is a reminder that on‑ice performance can translate quickly into off‑ice security. Whether the Fighting Hawks can keep the momentum rolling remains to be seen, but for now, Jackson, Smaby and Chyzyk have a contract – and a salary – that reflect the optimism blooming in Grand Forks.

As the next season approaches, fans will be watching not just the scores but also how this renewed stability influences recruiting, game strategy and, ultimately, whether UND can add another championship banner to the rafters.