Tennessee coach Derek Dooley to earn $1.8 million

KNOXVILLE - New Tennessee coach Derek Dooley will earn $1.8 million in his first season of a six-year contract announced by the school on Tuesday.

Under agreements between Tennessee and its new coaches, Dooley's nine assistants will make a combined $2.7 million.

"In a few short weeks working with coach Dooley, it is evident he is going to do a tremendous job as coach at the University of Tennessee," athletic director Mike Hamilton said in a statement. "A great deal of the anticipated success is due to the first-class staff he has assembled to assist him."

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox's $600,000 salary is the largest among the assistants. Offensive coordinator Jim Cheney will earn $425,000.

Dooley was hired Jan. 15 to replace Lane Kiffin. He will make $200,000 less than Kiffin made in his only season at Tennessee. Kiffin left Jan. 12 to coach Southern California.

Dooley has declined interviews until the Volunteers' spring football practice sessions begin.

Tennessee also announced Tuesday that Dooley has hired Bennie Wylie as strength and conditioning coach for a two-year contract. Wylie will earn $225,000.

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