University of Alabama System committee approves seven athletics coaching contracts

The University of Alabama System Compensation Committee voted to approve seven athletics coaching contracts presented by Greg Byrne, director of athletics.

The committee approved multiyear contracts for seven coaches that collectively commit the athletics department to multi-year salary obligations. The package includes head and assistant coaching hires and extensions across men’s and women’s programs.

Greg Byrne, director of athletics, presented the seven contracts to the committee and summarized terms, saying, “The first contract I'd like to move forward is for Bridal Adams, assistant coach, men's basketball, a 2 year contract through April thirtieth of 2027 at $400,000 per contract year.” Byrne then reviewed contracts for Unitan Berhane (women’s tennis, three years through June 30, 2028, $150,000 per year), Christy Curry (women’s basketball, five years through June 30, 2030, $700,000 per year), Chris Fleming (assistant men’s basketball, two years through April 30, 2027, $400,000 per year), Margo Geer (head swimming coach, three years through April 30, 2028, $180,000 per year), Kamari Lewis (rowing head coach, four years through June 30, 2029, $180,000 per year) and Rob Vaughn (head baseball coach, five years through June 30, 2030, $1,275,000 per year). Byrne noted of Fleming that “there'll be a slight offset from his remaining term with the Portland Trail Blazers” but that the average salary over the next two years would be $400,000.

During discussion, Trustee Evie asked whether Margo Geer would coach both men's and women's swimming and diving; Byrne replied, “Yes. She has been and will continue to do so and, has done a really good job of continuing to enhance her swimming program.” Another trustee asked how the proposed salaries compared with the market. Byrne said the department “pay[s] a lot of attention to the market rates for coaches, within our conference and against our peers nationally” and that the department sought to be “competitive” while “being financially responsible.”

The committee moved and seconded consideration of the athletics items as a group and approved the package by voice vote. The committee did not record an individual roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair called for ayes and the committee voice-voted to approve the contracts.

The committee then moved on to the next agenda item.