If assumptions that Nick Saban would be gone from Alabama as fast as he came haven't died off after seven seasons -- his longest stint as head coach anywhere -- they might not survive this: Saban's contract has officially been approved for a two-year extension that raises him to $6.5 million per year through the 2021 season, according to al.com. New offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin's contract was also formally approved. Kiffin will earn $680,000 for the next two years, and $714,000 in the third and final year of his deal.
Saban agreed to an extension last year, right around the time when speculation that Texas was interested in replacing coach Mack Brown with Saban. But while the agreement has been in place for months, the Alabama Board of Trustees only now got around to delivering the rubber stamp.
Err, gold stamp.
According to Forbes magazine, eight NFL coaches earned as much or more in 2013: Sean Payton (Saints, $8 million), Bill Belichick (Patriots, $7.5 million), Andy Reid (Chiefs, $7.5 million), Pete Carroll (Seahawks, $7 million), Jeff Fisher (Rams, $7 million), Mike Shanahan (Redskins, $7 million), Tom Coughlin (Giants, $6.67 million) and Chip Kelly (Eagles, $6.5 million).
Not surprisingly, Saban's deal also keeps him the highest-paid coach in the college ranks, based on USA Today's database for coaching salaries. Saban has won three BCS national championships in seven years at Alabama, in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread.*
