The University of Alabama announced a contract extension with head coach Nick Saban on Monday, with the legendary football coach now committed to the program through 2028.
Saban, the highest-paid coach in college football, is adding three years to his current deal. After winning his seventh national championship, his sixth with the Crimson Tide, Alabama is rewarding the face of its program with a raise and another long-term commitment.
Alabama will pay Saban an $8.425 million base salary for the upcoming 2021 college football season. His existing deal also includes incentives for each national title ($400,000), College Football Playoff semifinal win ($300,000), a CFP appearance ($200,000) and a conference title bonus ($250,000 for winning).
Saban’s salary will increase in each year of the deal. In a statement, he thanked the university and entire program for its support:
“Terry and I are pleased and happy to sign another contract extension that will keep us in Tuscaloosa through the end of our career. Our family calls Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama home, it’s a place where our roots now run deep. This agreement gives us the chance to continue to impact the lives of the young men and their families who choose to play football and get an education at Alabama. We want to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor St. John, President Bell, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, our athletics administration, the football staff and the whole University community for their support.”
Hired by Alabama in 2007 after his departure from the Miami Dolphins, Saban has become arguably the greatest coach in college football history.
While there has been some speculation about his future successor, Saban has no plans to retire. With the new contract, he’ll be on Alabama’s sidelines through his age-77 season.
More must-reads: