Saban’s new deal worth $74 million
Alabama coach Nick Saban still reigns supreme over college football — in national titles and pay.
The university announced an eight-year deal Friday worth at least $74.4 million, which would give Saban college football’s highest annual salary. The agreement runs through 2025, boosting his average annual pay to $9.3 million if he completes his deal.
“Our family is thrilled to agree to a contract extension with the University of Alabama that will keep us in Tuscaloosa for the rest of our coaching career,” Saban said in a statement.
The 66-year-old coach has led the Crimson Tide to five national championships in nine seasons.
Ohio State’s Urban Meyer is set to make at least $7.6 million this season. Texas A&M gave Jimbo Fisher a 10-year, $75-million deal. Both Auburn’s Gus Malzahn and Georgia’s Kirby Smart make $7 million annually under seven-year deals, and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh also makes $7 million.
Saban and fellow Alabama icon Bear Bryant are the only major college football coaches to win six national titles, including Saban’s 2003 crown at Louisiana State. Alabama is 125-14 over the past decade with five Southeastern Conference championships.
Former Tennessee football players A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams were acquitted of the aggravated rape charges they’d been indicted on nearly 31⁄2 years ago . ... Justin Watkins, Florida’s four-star defensive back recruit who was arrested earlier this week and charged with four felonies, announced he is leaving the school “to better my opportunities.” Former West Virginia defensive lineman Adam Shuler joined the Gators as a graduate transfer . ... Fick Tucker, Orange Coast College’s most successful football coach who won national championships in 1963 and 1975, died Thursday at 92 . ... Former Miami running back great Tyrone Moss died Thursday night, the Miami Herald reported. He was 33.