According to one report, Kevin Steele quite possibly turned down upwards of $1 million annually from Tennessee in order to stay at Clemson. Another report put the number at $800,000, while still another says it was $750,000.
Regardless of what the specific number was, one thing is certain — Steele turned down a very sizable raise to stay with the Tigers.
He will, however, be rewarded for that loyalty.
According to the Charleston Post & Courier, Steele will receive a $200,000 annual raise from Clemson. Steele earned around $375,000 in 2009, so the raise will get him in the same neighborhood as UT’s rumored offer, albeit much further down the financial street.
One thing should be noted, based on various reports: the raise was not a condition of Steele remaining at Clemson. The bump in salary was, reportedly, negotiated after Steele had turned down the Volunteers.
It was then that head coach Dabo Swinney went to athletic director Terry Don Phillips and suggested amending Steele’s contract.
At least, that’s the story that’s being put out there by the school. Regardless of what the reality is, this situation is making Steele look positively Mother Theresa-esque by turning down the big, bad SEC for the lil’ ol’ ACC.
That and a $200K raise? Priceless.
