Alabama's football assistants get new deals, but salary total decreases from 2020-21
The compensation committee of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees met Monday to approve new contracts for Alabama football's assistant coaches.
Alabama paid its 10 assistants a total of $8,850,000 last season, which was more than any other program nationally. Additionally, there were no pay reductions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Crimson Tide's total this year is down to $7,230,000 because of four new hires, each of whom start at a lower salary than more tenured coaches.
Here are the details for each coach, including the Tide's new additions.
Bill O'Brien
O'Brien, who was hired as offensive coordinator in January, will receive a two-year deal with a base salary of $1.1 million annually.
O'Brien made $3 million per year as the head coach of the Houston Texans in the NFL on a contract meant to extend until 2023. He was fired in October after leading his team to an 0-4 start.
Robert Gillespie
Gillespie was brought on in January to coach Alabama's running backs.
His contract covers two years with a $535,000 base salary. It's an improvement for Gillespie, who coached at North Carolina from 2018-20. His salary was bumped to $400,000 in February 2020 before his final season with the Tar Heels.
Doug Marrone
Marrone was the first former NFL head coach to join the Crimson Tide this offseason.
In his two-year deal coaching the offensive line, he'll make $757,000 in the first year and $900,000 in the second.
Jay Valai
Valai is the only addition to Alabama's on-field defensive staff, taking responsibility for cornerbacks.
He's locked into a two-year deal through Feb. 28, 2023, with a base salary of $525,000 in the first year and $550,000 in the second.
Valai earned $300,000 in his lone season with Texas in 2020.
Pete Golding
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding's contract was extended by one year to Feb. 29, 2024. In his first year under the new deal, he'll make $1.5 million, which will be bumped to $1.6 million in the second year, and $1.7 million in the third.
Charles Kelly
Associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach Charles Kelly's contract was extended one year to Feb. 28, 2023. It also comes with a $25,000 raise, bumping his annual salary from $800,000 to $825,000.
Freddie Roach
Defensive line coach Freddie Roach's contract was extended one year to Feb. 29, 2024. Roach will make $20,000 more, added onto his existing salary of $700,000 annually.
Sal Sunseri
Linebackers coach Sal Sunseri's contract was extended by one year to Feb. 28, 2023. He will now get $695,000 annually, up from $675,000
Holmon Wiggins
Wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins' deal was extended by one year to Feb. 28, 2023. He got one of the biggest boosts out of Alabama's returning assistants, with his salary up to $575,000, up from his previous mark of $475,000.
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