Overview
- UND raised Dane Jackson’s base pay to $620,000 for 2026–27 and built in $35,000 annual increases that will bring his base toward $725,000 by the contract’s final year.
- The updated contract adds structured performance bonuses tied to winning the NCHC regular season or postseason, hosting conference games, reaching the NCAA tournament, the Frozen Four, and a national title.
- Associate head coach Matt Smaby and general manager Bryn Chyzyk signed new three-year deals and assistant coach Dillon Simpson received a significant pay increase to keep the leadership team intact.
- Athletic director Bill Chaves said private philanthropic support helped fund the pay and staff changes, reflecting booster-backed investment to keep UND competitive with top college programs.
- The moves follow Jackson’s 29–10–1 first season, a Penrose Cup and a Frozen Four appearance, and build on recent recruiting wins that include multiple high NHL-draft picks committed to UND.