Glad to read your post. Forget about what other coaches make.  I like the idea of a performance based salary. Start with a base, then, if UH wins x number of games, a bonus is given (e.g., make it to a bowl game). An undefeated season, another bonus, and so forth. From a potential coaches standpoint, if I were negotiating, I'd ask for x number of dollars in facilities, recruiting, marketing, and a review of the business plan. Unfortunately,  I doubt UH has  a business plan for football. College football is a business. Salaries are based on past performance, current performance and revenues. If a coach is performing and the stadium is sold out, he can name his salary. You get what you pay for.  In Hawaii there seems to be a union mentality where salary is based on job titles. The head coaches salary at UH may rank less than those coaching other schools, but consider how much money UH puts into the football toss from 5, 10, and 15 yards and a failing sound system.