Report: Alabama football invests big money for assistant coaches in 2022

After the University of Alabama approved new contracts for incoming assistant coaches and several extensions for returning staff, the program will pay $8.36 million to the 10 on-field football coaches working under Nick Saban in 2022, according to Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News. That number is up from $7.8 million last season.

Two assistant coaches are set to make more than $1 million this year, with four more making more than $800,000 in 2022.

According to USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz, Clemson had the highest paid staff in 2021 at $8.55 million but the 2022 Ohio State staff is set to make $8.78 to surpass them for the highest-paid group.

While Clemson lost a handful of key assistants making big money, Ohio State added new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and revamped its staff in different areas. Meanwhile, Alabama retained Bill O’Brien and Pete Golding but brought in several accomplished position coaches.

Alabama approves assistant salaries

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 for 2022, 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.