You want precedent? It's been mentioned before but here we go again.
Dave Hakstol, signed in 2015 at the age of 47 to a 5 year, 10m deal.
David Quinn, signed in 2018 at the age of 51 to a 5 year, 12m deal.
Accomplishments in the years leading up to their hiring.
Dave Hakstol:
Been coaching at NCAA level or higher since 2000
11 seasons as U North Dakota head coach, WCHA Championship (4), Frozen Four appearance (4), National Championship game appearance (1)
4 seasons as associate/assistant head coach UND
David Quinn:
Been coaching at NCAA level or higher since 1993
5 seasons as BU head coach, Hockey East Championship (2), Frozen 4 appearance (2), National Championship game appearance (1)
1 season as NHL assistant head coach
3 seasons as AHL head coach
5 seasons as associate head coach at BU under an aging Parker, strongly credited for developing the 2009 national championship that saw a lot of it's players play in the NHL at some point
3 seasons as assistant hc at UNO
2 seasons as assistant hc at Northeastern
If there was ever precedent, it's Dave Hakstol. Quinn signs 3 years later and his salary is 20% higher. He's not overpaid.
To quote you:
I will add one more thing. Just because he doesn't have experience at NHL level, doesn't mean he should be paid less than others who do. I had 0 experience in my current job when I was offered the position. I negotiated for a higher salary and now I make more than my former manager back in Amsterdam, even though he has more experience "at this level". Is that unfair? Or is that me trying to get the most out of the negotiations?