Alabama football is one of the most successful and prestigious programs in college sports. The Crimson Tide has won 18 national championships, 32 SEC titles, and produced countless NFL stars. But how much does it cost to run such a powerhouse? How are the players and coaches compensated? What is the net worth of the program and its key figures? And what are the challenges and opportunities for the upcoming 2023 season? In this article, we will explore these questions and more, using the latest data and information available.
Alabama Football Salary Cap
According to the USA Today database of college football salaries, Alabama ranked second in the nation in 2021 with a total staff pay of $21.7 million. This includes the head coach, assistant coaches, strength coaches, and other support staff. The average salary per staff member was $722,222, which was also second in the nation. The highest-paid staff member was head coach Nick Saban, who earned $9.9 million in base salary and talent fee in 2022. Saban is widely regarded as the best coach in college football history, having won seven national titles, six of them with Alabama.
The assistant coaches also received hefty paychecks, especially the coordinators. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien made $1.1 million in base salary in 2022, while defensive coordinator Pete Golding made $1.73 million in base salary plus completion benefit. The other assistant coaches made between $325,000 and $900,000 each. The special assistants to the head coach, Sal Sunseri and Drew Svoboda, made $695,000 and $450,000 respectively.
The players, on the other hand, did not receive any direct salary from the university. However, they did benefit from the new NCAA rules that allow them to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This means they can sign endorsement deals, sell merchandise, appear in commercials, and participate in other business ventures without losing their eligibility. Some of the top players who took advantage of this opportunity were quarterback Bryce Young, who reportedly signed a deal worth over $1 million with CAA Sports, wide receiver Jameson Williams, who partnered with Bojangles, and linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who launched his own clothing line .
Alabama Football Teams
Alabama football has three teams: the varsity team, the junior varsity team, and the scout team. The varsity team is composed of the best players who compete in the games. The junior varsity team is composed of younger or less experienced players who practice with the varsity team but do not play in the games. The scout team is composed of walk-ons or scholarship players who mimic the opponents’ schemes and tendencies to prepare the varsity team for the games.
The varsity team has a roster limit of 85 scholarship players and can have up to 105 players total during fall camp. The junior varsity team has no roster limit but usually has around 20 to 30 players. The scout team has no roster limit but usually has around 10 to 15 players.
Alabama Football Coaches Salary
As mentioned earlier, Alabama football coaches are among the highest-paid in college sports. Here is a breakdown of their salaries for the 2023 season 1:
Name | Position | Salary |
---|---|---|
Nick Saban | Head Coach | $10.6M |
Bill O’Brien | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks | $1.2M |
Pete Golding | Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers | $1.85M |
Eric Wolford | Offensive Line | $900K |
Charles Kelly Jr. | Associate Defensive Coordinator/Safeties | $850K |
Holmon Wiggins | Assistant Head Coach of Offense/Wide Receivers | $850K |
Travaris Robinson | Cornerbacks | $800K |
Freddie Roach | Defensive Line | $750K |
Sal Sunseri | Senior Special Assistant to the Head Coach | $695K |
David Ballou | Director of Sports Performance | $700K |
Drew Svoboda | Senior Special Assistant to the Head Coach | $450K |
Coleman Hutzler | Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers | $495K |
Robert Gillespie | Running Backs | $565K |
Joe Cox | Tight Ends | $325K |
Alabama Football Net Worth
The net worth of Alabama football is difficult to estimate, as there are many factors and variables involved. However, one way to approach this question is to look at the revenue and expenses of the program, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the latest data available, Alabama football generated $111.1 million in revenue and spent $66.3 million in expenses in the 2019-2020 academic year . This means the program had a profit of $44.8 million, which is the highest in the nation.
Another way to measure the net worth of Alabama football is to look at the market value of the program, which is based on how much someone would be willing to pay to buy it. According to a study by Ryan Brewer, an associate professor of finance at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, Alabama football had a market value of $1.05 billion in 2018, which ranked second in the nation behind Texas . This value is based on factors such as revenues, expenses, cash flows, risk, growth, and brand equity.
Alabama Football Upcoming Schedule
Alabama football will face a challenging schedule in the 2023 season, as it will play 12 regular-season games, including nine against SEC opponents and three against non-conference foes. Here is the complete schedule for the Crimson Tide :
Date | Opponent | Location |
---|---|---|
Aug. 26 | Miami (FL) | Atlanta, GA |
Sep. 2 | Arkansas State | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Sep. 9 | at Ole Miss | Oxford, MS |
Sep. 16 | Colorado State | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Sep. 23 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, TN |
Sep. 30 | Mississippi State | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Oct. 7 | at Texas A&M | College Station, TX |
Oct. 14 | Tennessee | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Oct. 28 | LSU | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Nov. 4 | at Auburn | Auburn, AL |
Nov. 11 | Georgia Southern | Tuscaloosa, AL |
Nov. 18 | at Georgia | Athens, GA |
Alabama Football Highest Paid Players
As mentioned earlier, Alabama football players do not receive any salary from the university, but they can earn money from their NIL deals. The exact amount of money each player makes from these deals is not publicly disclosed, but some estimates can be made based on the reported figures and the popularity of the players. Here are some of the highest paid players on the team based on their NIL deals :
- Bryce Young: The quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist signed a deal with CAA Sports that is worth over $1 million. He also has deals with Cash App, GoPuff, and Autograph .
- Jameson Williams: The wide receiver and All-American signed a deal with Bojangles that includes free chicken for life. He also has deals with Cash App and Autograph .
- Will Anderson Jr.: The linebacker and Bednarik Award winner launched his own clothing line called WA31 Apparel . He also has deals with Cash App and Autograph .
- Evan Neal: The offensive tackle and Outland Trophy finalist signed a deal with Panini America that includes trading cards and memorabilia . He also has deals with Cash App and Autograph .
- John Metchie III: The wide receiver and team captain signed a deal with Panini America that includes trading cards and memorabilia . He also has deals with Cash App and Autograph .
Conclusion
Alabama football is a juggernaut in college sports, with a rich history, a talented roster, a legendary coach, and a loyal fan base. The program generates millions of dollars in revenue and spends millions of dollars on salaries and expenses. The players and coaches are well compensated for their performance and popularity, thanks to the new NIL rules that allow them to monetize their personal brands. The upcoming season will be another test for the Crimson Tide, as they will face a tough schedule and high expectations. Alabama football is not just a team; it’s a dynasty.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions about Alabama football and their answers:
Q: How many national championships has Alabama won?
A: Alabama has won 18 national championships in its history, according to the official count recognized
Q: Who is the current head coach of Alabama football?
A: The current head coach of Alabama football is Nick Saban, who has been leading the program since 2007. He is the longest-tenured and most successful coach in Alabama history, with a record of 195-24 and seven national titles .
Q: Who are some of the famous alumni of Alabama football?
A: Some of the famous alumni of Alabama football are Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Ozzie Newsome, Derrick Thomas, Mark Ingram, Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, Tua Tagovailoa, and DeVonta Smith. They have all achieved success in the NFL and won various awards and honors.
Q: What is the nickname of Alabama football?
A: The nickname of Alabama football is the Crimson Tide, which refers to the color of their uniforms and the strength of their team. The name was first used by a sports editor in 1907 after a game against Auburn .
Q: What is the mascot of Alabama football?
A: The mascot of Alabama football is an elephant named Big Al, who wears a crimson jersey with the number 1. The elephant symbolizes the power and toughness of the team. The origin of the mascot dates back to 1930, when a sportswriter described the sound of the Alabama players as “a herd of elephants” .
Q: What is the fight song of Alabama football?
A: The fight song of Alabama football is “Yea Alabama”, which was written by Ethelred Sykes in 1926 as part of a contest. The song celebrates the achievements and spirit of the team and encourages them to “fight on” .
Q: What is the stadium of Alabama football?
A: The stadium of Alabama football is Bryant-Denny Stadium, which is located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The stadium was opened in 1929 and has a capacity of 101,821. It is named after former coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and former president George H. Denny .
Q: What is the rivalry of Alabama football?
A: The rivalry of Alabama football is Auburn, which is also known as the Iron Bowl. The two teams have been playing each other since 1893 and have a fierce and historic competition. The game is usually held on the last Saturday of November and attracts millions of viewers .
Q: What are some of the traditions of Alabama football?
A: Some of the traditions of Alabama football are:
The Walk of Champions: Before each home game, the team walks from their buses to the stadium through a crowd of fans who cheer them on.
The Million Dollar Band: The marching band performs before, during, and after each game, playing songs such as “Yea Alabama”, “Rammer Jammer”, and “Sweet Home Alabama”.
The Houndstooth Hat: The signature hat worn by coach Bear Bryant, who led the team to six national titles. Many fans wear similar hats to honor his legacy.
The Roll Tide: The slogan and cheer used by fans to show their support and enthusiasm for the team.
Q: What are some of the awards and honors of Alabama football?
A: Some of the awards and honors of Alabama football are:
Heisman Trophy: Awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. Four players from Alabama have won this award: Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), Tua Tagovailoa (2018), and DeVonta Smith (2020).
SEC Championship: Awarded to the winner of the Southeastern Conference. Alabama has won this title 32 times, more than any other team.
National Championship: Awarded to the best team in college football. Alabama has won this title 18 times, more than any other team.
All-American: Awarded to the best players in college football at each position. Over 150 players from Alabama have been named All-Americans.
Hall of Fame: Awarded to the players and coaches who have made significant contributions to college football. Over 40 players and coaches from Alabama have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Q: How can I watch or listen to Alabama football games?
A: You can watch or listen to Alabama football games through various platforms, such as:
TV: CBS, ESPN, SEC Network, ABC
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network
Online: WatchESPN, CBS All Access, SEC Network+
Mobile: ESPN App, CBS Sports App, SEC Network App