Despite budget cuts, the OU Board of Regents approved pay raises for OU coaches and athletic administrative staff Wednesday.

Among those who received raises are athletic director Joe Castiglione, whose salary went from $193,770 to $238,770, and assistant football coach Mike Stoops, said Jeff Hickman, OU press secretary. Stoops' salary increased from $191,000, plus outside compensation from unrestricted private funds of $10,000 to a base salary of $200,000, plus additional outside compensation of $150,000.

Co-defensive coordinator Brent Venables will receive a raise from $141,000 to $160,000, plus $40,000 from outside sources.

Assistant women's basketball coach Stacy Hansmeyer got a $20,000 raise from $30,000 to $50,000.

Women's softball head coach Patty Gasso's base salary will be increased from $93,000 to $97,000, Hickman said.

Bob Stoops, who was already the top earner in college football at $2 million plus bonuses, received a raise as well. While his base salary remained at $200,000, there was additional outside compensation from unrestricted private funds of $1.8 million to $1.9 million, Hickman said.

Sherri Coale's base salary remains at $200,000, but the outside compensation from unrestricted private funds increased to $220,000 from $52,000, Hickman said.

OU men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson's base salary remains at $200,000 and his current deferred compensation provision was reduced from $100,000 to $50,000 annually. However, his outside compensation from unrestricted private funds was increased from $600,000 to $765,000, Hickman said.

Many of the raises will go into effect July 1.

Most coaches may also received performance-based bonuses.

Castiglione, Coale, Sampson, as well as Mike and Bob Stoops donated a total of $165,000 to OU Libraries to underline their commitment to academics, Hickman said.

Other coaches and OU employees received raises as well.

The raises were granted only two weeks after OU President David L. Boren announced in a letter to faculty and staff that because of budget cuts, there would not be money for compensation increases.

Boren announced a 1. 2 percent academic cut and a 2 percent administrative cut for fiscal year 2003.

Boren said, at most, 10 positions may be terminated. Vacancies and spots with resigning staff may not be filled.

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