New Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne announced today that football coach Nick Saban and the university have agreed to a long-term contract extension that includes a $4 million signing bonus and will result in the 65-year-old earning $11.15 million for the 2017 season.
The new contract will keep Saban guiding the Crimson Tide through 2024.
“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 first-hand 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 Ms. Terry 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 through the 2020 (10 percent), 2021 (10 percent) and 2022 (80 percent) seasons. Factoring in those completion bonuses, Saban will now make an average of $8.2 million annually.
Saban has guided Alabama to five Southeastern Conference 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.
“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.”
For more information, read Wednesday’s Times Free Press