Tim Brewster told Sports Headliners on Monday he has signed a five year contract to coach at the University of Minnesota. Brewster said in March the contract was being finalized and he signed it late last week. It’s believed the contract is for about $1 million per year and has no escape clause allowing him to leave for another school.
“I am thrilled with the contract and believe it’s a good deal for both sides,” Brewster said by phone on Monday. Since the end of spring practice on April 7, he’s been traveling and recruiting in various parts of Minnesota, and other areas of the country. His recruiting stops have included Texas, Virginia and New Jersey where he called from Monday.
This morning Brewster was scheduled to fly to Phoenix where his agenda will include celebrating wife Cathy’s 47th birthday. He describes her as “the older woman in his life.” He doesn’t turn 47 until October 13.
Later in the month Brewster will be recruiting in south Florida and Houston. While it’s unusual for a head coach to be so involved with recruiting, few coaches have the energy and salesmanship of Minnesota’s new coach. He literally runs in the mornings to renew his energy and build stamina for his hectic schedule.
His highly recruited son, safety Nolan Brewster, will play his senior season of high school football in Denver. Brewster and his wife are in the process of selling their home and they hope to buy or build here in the next several months.
Brewster was an assistant coach with Denver and San Diego before coming to Minnesota. Prior to his NFL jobs, he coached college football for many years including at Texas. With perspective on both pro and college football, Brewster was asked what the most common mistakes are that pro teams make in drafting players.
He said the “biggest mistake” is being focused on a player’s physical prowess and statistics, and not looking at what the player gets done on the field. Teams can fail to “translate” a player’s love for the game and productivity, he added.
Brewster also said you “can’t ever underestimate character.” Teams have taken chances on bad character players and in the “long run these guys really hurt” (their teams), he said.