Oklahoma State Athletics Announces COVID-Triggered Budget Cuts

The Oklahoma State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced immediate cuts to personnel and to its operating budget on Wednesday afternoon.

The pandemic-triggered cuts will remove about $13 million from OSU’s 2020-21 budget. Payroll cutbacks came in the form of salary reductions, furloughs and layoffs, affecting an estimated 232 of the department’s 241 employees.

According to OSU’s release, 10 employees were laid off Wednesday. An additional 66 employees will be furloughed next week.

Another 151 employees will get their salaries reduced. OSU athletic director Mike Holder and every head coach agreed to a voluntary pay cut, according to the release. Salary cuts range from 2.5 percent to 25 percent, with the department’s highest-paid employees taking the biggest pay cuts, according to the release.

OSU’s head coaches tweeted out a unified message last week.

While the past few months have been very challenging and the ramifications will be felt in a devastating way for many many people, I’m thankful for the consistent transparency that’s been provided. Excited to see the Cowboy and Cowgirls athletes compete this year. #TOGETHER pic.twitter.com/KBdXQ6sB2c

— Mike Boynton (@thacoachmike) September 5, 2020

“These cuts were painful and not at all based on performance,” Holder said in the release. “They are byproducts of the unfortunate situation in which we find ourselves. I am especially thankful for the coaches that had the protection of a multi-year contract, but still volunteered to participate in the pay reductions.

“These cuts don’t solve the problem. We are still facing a budget deficit estimated to be around $30 million, which may require additional measures in the coming months. However, we exist to serve our student-athletes. Their academics, health, safety, and their ability to compete remain our top priorities and will not be compromised.”