Georgia's defense this past football season ranked sixth nationally in both fewest points and fewest yards allowed per game.
That surge under second-year coordinator Mel Tucker did not go unnoticed, as Tucker recently received a $600,000 raise and now will be making $1.5 million. Tucker earned the largest salary increase among Georgia's assistants, with the updated figures made public Friday by multiple media outlets through open records requests.
Georgia's third staff under head coach Kirby Smart, which includes a 10th full-time assistant for the first time under NCAA guidelines, will make a combined $6.42 million. Last season's nine-member staff, which helped guide the Bulldogs to their first Southeastern Conference championship in 12 years and their first trip to the Rose Bowl in 75 seasons, made $4.56 million.
Earlier this month, Tennessee announced its inaugural staff under head coach Jeremy Pruitt will make $5.63 million, with the final staff under former coach Butch Jones having earned $4.64 million.
Georgia's second-biggest financial jump went to receivers coach James Coley, who received a hike from $400,000 to $850,000. Coley was pursued by new Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher several weeks ago, reportedly for the role of offensive coordinator.
Experiencing the next-largest pay hikes were running backs coach Dell McGee ($350,000 to $550,000), offensive line coach Sam Pittman ($660,000 to $825,000) and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney ($850,000 to $950,000). Also receiving raises were inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann ($275,000 to $325,000) and defensive line coach Tray Scott ($400,000 to $420,000).
The salaries for Georgia's three new assistants have also been set, with Cortez Hankton at $375,000, Dan Lanning at $325,000 and Scott Fountain at $300,000.
Smart made $3.75 million this past season and is expected to receive a sizable raise soon.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.