Portland State coach Bruce Barnum has passed $15,000 worth of performance bonuses he earned from the school to his assistant coaches.

Barnum would have been entitled to the bonus money after leading the Vikings to a 9-3 record and being named STATS Football Championship Subdivision national coach of the year.

But before things ever got to that point, Barnum had written into his contract that $15,000 should go directly to the assistant coaches on his staff.

According to the terms of his contract, Barnum also received an additional $5,000 bonus.

Barnum said he wanted to make sure his assistants know how valued they are, and how important he believes they are to the continued success of the program.

"If I can keep any continuity around here, that will be a big key for us," Barnum said.

The STATS national coach of the year award was announced yesterday.

"That one humbled me, chief," Barnum said. "We had a team meeting last night, and the kids were all happy, yada, yada, yada. But I hastened to say that this group of kids went further than anyone else thought. I think people are starting to realize what these kids did."

The Vikings were 3-9 last year, but over-achieved this year. They scored road upsets over Football Bowl Subdivision programs Washington State and North Texas en route to their first FCS Playoff appearance in 15 years.

PSU's season ended Saturday with a 29-17, second-round loss to Northern Iowa.

-- Ken Goe

503-221-8040 | @KenGoe