(Photo: Jim Rosvold)
North Dakota announced it has reached an agreement on enhanced terms for head men’s hockey coach Dane Jackson’s current contract. The Grand Forks Herald reported that Jackson will make $620,000 this season and that the salary is scheduled to increase by $35,000 each of the following three years to reach $725,000 in the final year, 2029-30. Jackson’s salary in 2025-26 was $400,000, according to the report.
Jackson guided North Dakota to a 29-10-1 overall record, the most wins since the 2015-16 season, en route to the NCHC regular season championship as well as the program’s first NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 10 years. North Dakota lost 2-1 to Wisconsin in the national semifinal.
Jackson also earned NCHC Herb Brooks Coach of the Year and CHN Coach of the Year as well as being a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award for the nation’s top collegiate hockey coach.
“Our expectation at North Dakota is to compete for championships, and Dane and his staff delivered a remarkable first season that reaffirmed the standard of our hockey program,” said North Dakota athletic director Bill Chaves in a statement. “Winning the Penrose Cup and returning to the Frozen Four in year one were tremendous accomplishments and a reflection of the culture, leadership and vision Dane has established.”
The school also announced associate head coach Matt Smaby and general manager Bryn Chyzyk have signed new three-year agreements, ensuring continuity in two key leadership positions. Assistant coach Dillon Simpson, who also received a pay increase, will embark on his second season on Jackson’s staff and fourth overall in 2026-27.