MSU Reaches Settlement Agreement With Williams
11/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 27, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University and former head football coach Bobby Williams have reached an agreement on the terms of Williams' departure from the University.
MSU will pay Williams $550,000-the compensation he would have received through June 30, 2003, in addition to a termination payment in his contract, Athletics Director Ron Mason said. All payments will come from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics budget.
"I feel this final settlement is reasonable and appropriate, and allows MSU and Bobby to move on from here," Mason said. "We wish Bobby and his family only the best because they have been friends and members of the Spartan family for a long time. As I have said, I respect Bobby as a person; he has been a colleague who takes with him our hopes for success in the years ahead."
Williams said he is pleased that a resolution was reached. "For me, this is a fair settlement that permits us all, personally and professionally, to be future-oriented with confidence. I am sure both the University and I share the pride in accomplishments during this tenure, with support from within the University, alumni, and fans. I particularly thank the players who I hope will all grow through this experience and turn the lessons from the field into catalysts for prosperity."
On November 4, Mason announced that Williams was dismissed. Offensive coordinator Morris Watts served as interim head coach for the Spartans' three remaining games.