LSU football coach Les Miles now has the financial upper-hand on rival Alabama coach Nick Saban. Miles’ total annual compensation of $3.751 million edges Saban’s by $1,000, according to an agreement signed March 14. Miles’ salary was determined after more than two months of negotiations between the University and his agent George Bass. After winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship in January, Miles’ contract guaranteed he become one of the top-three highest paid coaches in the nation. His contract specified his new salary would be determined within 60 days of the BCS National Championship. His contract did not specify whether it included coaches at private institutions, whose contracts are unavailable for inspection. Miles’ salary was determined more than a week after the deadline specified in his contract. LSU general counsel Ray Lamonica said problems obtaining top-paid coaches’ contracts from private universities – specifically Notre Dame and USC – caused delays. According to a letter from LSU System President John Lombardi, this contractual clause will be amended for current and future seasons. If Miles wins the BCS National Championship in the future, his salary will be adjusted, if needed, to become the highest paid coach in the Southeastern Conference by at least a $1,000 margin. Miles’ agent told The Daily Reveille on March 10 that discussions with the University were “amicable” despite contractual talks extending past the 60-day deadline.
—-Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]