Muschamp gets 5-year, $16 million deal from South Carolina

FILE - In this April 18, 2015, file photo, Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp walks around the football field in the first quarter of their spring NCAA college football game in Auburn, Ala. A person with direct knowledge of the decision says Muschamp has agreed to become South Carolina’s next head football coach, and he could be formally introduced as early as Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) FILE - In this April 18, 2015, file photo, Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp walks around the football field in the first quarter of their spring NCAA college football game in Auburn, Ala. A person with direct knowledge of the decision says Muschamp has agreed to become South Carolina’s next head football coach, and he could be formally introduced as early as Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

By Associated Press December 7, 2015 1 min read

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Will Muschamp has received a 5-year, $16 million deal to lead the South Carolina football program.

University trustees approved the contract Monday morning, a day after South Carolina announced he would replace Steve Spurrier. Muschamp’s contract pays him $3 million in the first year, increases each year after by $100,000 and contains a variety of incentives.

The deal also includes a buyout on a sliding scale. If Muschamp leaves in the first of the contract, he would have to pay the school $7 million; if he left in the final year of the deal, he would owe South Carolina $3 million.

The 44-year-old Muschamp coached at Florida for four years before spending last season as Auburn’s defensive coordinator after being fired by the Gators.