Mizzou Athletics announced Thursday that the UM System Board of Curators approved new employment terms for former football coach Gary Pinkel.
Pinkel’s new role entails “assisting with fundraising opportunities and donor/fan engagement, as well as serving as a general ambassador” for public appearances and advising as requested on football-related matters, according to a [news release](http://mutigers.com/news/2016/1/21/FB_PinkelNewRole.aspx) from Mizzou Athletics.
Pinkel, who retired at the end of last season due to health reasons, began his three-year contract Jan. 1. For the first two years, he will be paid $350,000. From Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018, Pinkel will be paid $250,000.
“I am very grateful to the Board of Curators and to President Middleton, Chancellor Foley and to Mack Rhoades for this opportunity,” Pinkel said in a statement. “I’ve said all along that when my coaching days were done, I would still need to be involved in a meaningful way, and this does that for me. I’m excited to be in this role where I can still provide an impact for a place that means so much to me and my family.”
Pinkel currently holds the title of Mizzou’s all-time winningest coach, with 118 wins in 15 seasons.
“We’re really pleased to have Coach Pinkel continue as part of our team,” Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades said in the release. “It was very important for us to find the right way to keep the winningest coach in Mizzou history engaged, and we’re excited for the value Gary can bring to the table going forward. Schools around the country are finding ways to keep institutional treasures like Gary Pinkel, Frank Beamer and Steve Spurrier in the fold even after they are done carrying a whistle.”
Pinkel’s contract will be released in full once it is completed.