TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama football coach Mike Shula received a new six-year contract Wednesday worth $1.55 million per year. The deal extends his contract two years through early 2012, with a raise of $650,000 plus a $200,000 signing bonus. Shula led the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in his third season. The university's trustees compensation committee unanimously approved the contract, moving Shula's salary into the upper half among coaches in the Southeastern Conference. Shula guided his alma mater back from NCAA sanctions and two quick coaching changes. "I'm excited about our future at Alabama and I love the university," he said. "This is a great place to live and work. With our new facilities and support areas, our future is very bright." Shula receives an increase from $150,000 to $200,000 in his base salary and an increase from $750,000 to $1.35 million in "talent fees." Shula would also get $200,000 annually in deferred compensation after the contract is completed. Shula posted a 20-17 record at Alabama after going 4-9 in his debut season when he replaced Mike Price, who was fired four months before his first season for off-the-field behavior. Only four SEC coaches are set to make more than Shula next season: Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Georgia's Mark Richt, Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer and Florida's Urban Meyer all make about $2 million a year. "We are certainly happy to know that Mike Shula will be our coach for many years to come," athletic director Mal Moore said.
I would assume that if Shula continues to be successful that his salary might move up the ladder with the other SEC Coaches. I know that the Gators will certainly be willing to pay higher for their coach. I'm not sure what Meyer is getting paid, but I think it's a bit higher. Personally I think this is a good move by Bama. I think Shula can be successful if given the time and support. Gator Bill
4-9 6-6 10-2 His numbers are headed in the right direction. The quickness of the turnaround may have returned expectations a little too early. The program still carries the burden of probation and the coaching carousel. Bama had the 8th easiest schedule in the SEC according to Sagarin and they were only a 10th of a point or so easier than Auburn and Vandy. Ole Miss and State had the softest schedules. Had Bama played the Gators later in the season the game would have been different. Shula's done well but it's still early to put him in the Spurrier, Tuberville, Richt, Fulmer category as many fans here are doing. I think it's early to put Meyer in that group after one season as well although his track record elsewhere indicates he'll be there shortly.
Seems like everybody makes a million these days, so 1.5 would be appropriate for a guy who's at one of the all-time great programs and took the job at a really bad time. I hope he succeeds, he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Terry