Alabama BOTs approves new contracts for football, basketball assistants

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees met Friday morning to approve several athletics department contract terms for assistant coaches, particularly men’s basketball and football. In addition to revealing the proposed terms of new staff members, they also approved several contract extensions and raises.

Alabama football brings in four new assistant coaches under Nick Saban, each receiving approval on their new contract. Offensive line coach Eric Wolford agreed to a two-year deal worth $900,000 annually and tight end coach Joe Cox agreed to a two-year deal worth $325,000 annually. In addition, special teams coordinator and outside linebacker coach Coleman Hutzler agreed to a two-year deal worth $495,000 in year one and $595,000 in year two. New cornerback coach Travaris Robinson agreed to a two-year deal worth $800,000 annually.

Several Alabama football assistants who remained on staff also received contract extensions which were approved by the Board of Trustees. The deals of wide receiver coach Holmon Wiggins, Charles Kelly and Robert Gillespie were set to run through February of 2023 but will now last until the same time in 2024. Wiggins received the largest raise of the group, jumping from $575,000 to $850,000.

Defensive line coach Freddie Roach also had his contract extended through February of 2024, along with director of player personnel Bob Welton. Meanwhile, associate athletic director Ellis Ponder, along with special assistants Sal Sunseri and Drew Svoboda, agreed to deals which now extend through February of 2023.

The Board of Trustees also met and agreed to a contract extension for Alabama basketball assistant Bryan Hodgson, who joined the staff after working under head coach Nate Oats at Buffalo in previous seasons. His new contract runs through June of 2024 and comes with an annual salary of $425,000.

Alabama invests in athletics

The University of Alabama continues to invest heavily in its athletics programs, not only with the head coach, but across the staff. Athletic director Greg Byrne has worked with the head coaches at the school to bring in assistant coaches to some of the highest annual salaries in the country.

While Alabama football has dealt with massive losses to its staff over the past decade under Nick Saban, the school continues to bring in assistant coaches by offering competitive compensation and the chance to work in the SEC.

The school has also invested in facilities, working to improve Bryant-Denny Stadium in recent years before announcing this year that a new basketball arena will start construction soon.