The builder of college football's most dominant program is being rewarded for his efforts.
Alabama announced on Tuesday that it had agreed with head coach Nick Saban on a long-term contract extension that will pay him $11.125 million in 2017, including a $4 million bonus. USA Today first reported the news.
His contract was extended for three years and now runs through the 2024 season. The eight-year deal calls for Saban to be paid $65 million. His 2017 salary is by far the greatest for a college coach since USA Today started tracking such salaries in 2006.
Michigan's Jim Harbaugh had passed Saban to become college football's highest-paid coach last year, when he earned about $9 million.
"(My wife) 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 stated in a release. "This has become our home and we are looking forward to finishing our career at Alabama. I want to thank President Bell, Greg Byrne, our athletic administration, football staff and the entire University community for all of their support, which has been instrumental in the success of our organization. We are extremely proud of the young men who have represented the Crimson Tide on the football field, and more importantly, what they have been able to accomplish in their lives off the field because of their involvement in our program."
Saban's annual base pay will remain $6.75 million throughout the term of the contract. Annual completion bonuses in the new contract enhance its value, however, particularly after the 2021 season, when Saban could receive an additional $3.6 million in bonuses.
Saban has compiled a 10-year record of 119-19 at Alabama with four national championships, including nine consecutive seasons of 10 wins or more. Alabama is the only school to qualify for the College Football Playoff's four-team field in each of its first three years. Clemson beat Alabama, 35-31, in the CFP title game in January.
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