Saban agrees to contract extension
There was bad news Tuesday for 13 Southeastern Conference football programs.
Alabama coach Nick Saban isn’t going away any time soon.
New Crimson Tide athletic director Greg Byrne announced that Saban and the university have agreed to a long-term contract extension that includes a $4 million signing bonus that will result in the 65-year-old earning $11.15 million for the 2017 season. The new contract will keep Saban guiding Alabama through the 2024 season.
“It is an exciting day when we can announce that the best football coach in the country has agreed to a contract extension,” Byrne said in a release. “Before I came to Alabama, I was always impressed with Coach Saban and how he ran his program. After being here and seeing firsthand the job that he does, I’ve come away even more impressed.
“Coach Saban has obviously won a lot of football games and championships, but he has also done an outstanding job when it comes to academics and community service. I don’t think you can measure the positive impact he and Terry (Saban’s wife) have made over the last decade. We look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
Saban’s previous deal paid him $6.9 million annually and ran through the 2021 season.
In addition to the $4 million signing incentive, Byrne also announced that an additional $4 million will be spread out in upcoming seasons. Saban is scheduled to make $7.15 million in 2018, $7.55 million during the 2019 and ‘20 seasons and $10.35 million in 2021.
Saban has guided Alabama to five SEC championships, including the last three in a row, and to four national titles since replacing predecessor Mike Shula after the 2006 season. Since the start of the 2008 season, Alabama has compiled a staggering 112-13 record.
Alabama’s football program generated $103.9 million in revenue last year, turning a profit of $47.7 million.
“Terry and I are pleased and happy to agree to the contract extension the University of Alabama has offered us, ensuring our time here in Tuscaloosa will continue for many more years,” Saban said. “This has become our home, and we are looking forward to finishing our career at Alabama.”
Alabama has produced 65 NFL draft picks under Saban, including 10 last weekend in Philadelphia, and 22 of those 65 have been selected in the first round.
The Crimson Tide’s success off the field was reflected when 22 players competed in January’s loss to Clemson having already earned their degrees. Alabama leads the nation with 101 players the past four years to compete in the postseason having already graduated.
“It is truly remarkable when you look at what Coach Saban has accomplished here over the last decade and how the success of the football program has raised the overall profile of our institution,” Alabama president Stuart Bell said. “He has done an outstanding job emphasizing academics and character development with our student-athletes.”
In addition to Saban’s new contract, Alabama also announced pay increases for several of his assistants.
Second-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt will be making $1.3 million this season, up from $1 million last year. Pruitt will be followed in the financial pecking order by new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll at $1.2 million, outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi at $950,000, new receivers coach Mike Locksley at $600,000, running backs coach Burton Burns at $490,000, defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley at $405,000, offensive line coach Brent Key at $400,000, new tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Joe Pannunzio at $375,000 and defensive line coach Karl Dunbar at $275,000.
Strength coach Scott Cochran will make $535,000 this year, a $10,000 bump from last season.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@ timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.