While much of the coaching discussion regarding contracts this week has centered on a potential bidding war for Nick Saban between Alabama and Texas, keep in mind assistant coaches are getting some pretty decent paychecks as well.
Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris is the highest paid assistant coach in college football. Clemson’s assistant coach is earning $1,309,650 in 2013 according to a recent database compiled by USA Today. Two other assistant coaches are making seven digits as well.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart ($1.15 million) and LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis ($1.116 million). Of the top ten highest paid assistant coaches, five reside in the SEC. Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, and Texas A&M’s Mark Snyder are among the top ten highest paid assistant coaches.
Clemson is paying top dollar for their coaching staff. In addition to Morris, the Tigers are also shelling out a reported $800,000 for defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Clemson’s investment in the coaching staff has not come without a plan. The Tigers made a clear investment in their staff to keep the program in a competitive footing in the ACC and as a national championship contender. Over the last three seasons Clemson has won an ACC championship, won a Chick-fil-A Bowl against LSU and is heading back to the BCS to play Ohio State in the Orange Bowl.
Michigan is also paying big bucks for their assistant coaches, with defensive coordinator Greg Mattison ($851,400) and offensive coordinator Al Borges ($709,300) each falling in the top ten.
So, which school is getting the most bang for their buck among the highest paid assistants? Michigan seems to be tanking dollars considering the amount they are paying their top two assistant coaches.
You can view the entire database via USA Today.