No extension for Spurrier, though
Steve Spurrier's newest contract, approved by USC's board of trustees Friday, includes a substantial raise but no extension.
And that's just how the Head Ball Coach wanted it, USC athletics director Eric Hyman said Friday afternoon.
Spurrier, who previously made about $2 million per year, will earn a $2.55 million salary for 2011. His salary will increase to $2,875,000 in 2012 and will reach $2.95 million in 2013. The contract expires at the end of 2013.
The coach will also receive a $1 million one-time payment at the end of 2011, pushing his salary to $3.55 million for that year.
The salary increases will come from guaranteed outside compensation—or private dollars that come from television and radio shows, commercial endorsements, athletics shoes, equipment or coaching apparel. His state-paid base salary remains at $257,000 a year.
The raise was widely expected after the Gamecocks won the SEC East in a nine-win season that saw victories over Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. It also ups his salary to about average in the ultra-competitive SEC, where Alabama coach Nick Saban makes about $6 million a year.
But the contract raises questions as to how long Spurrier, 66, plans to lead the Gamecocks. Hyman said USC would have granted Spurrier an extension had he requested it.
"We asked Steve what he wanted, and this is what he wanted," Hyman said.
Hyman praised Spurrier for doing a "terrific job" for the program both on the field and in the classroom. He also said Spurrier's assistants would receive raises but didn't know the exact figures Friday.
The new contract also changes a few other clauses. If the university fires Spurrier without cause in 2011, he receives $2 million. In 2012, that number drops to $1.5 million, and it falls to $1 million in 2013. He previously received a $500,000 buyout per year.
The new contract also amends Spurrier's contract concerning post-season appearances. Spurrier previously received a $100,000 bonus if the Gamecocks played in a bowl game after Jan. 1. Now, the coach only will receive the bonus if the game is the Capital One Bowl, the Cotton Bowl or the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.
USC played in the Papa Johns Bowl, a lower-tier bowl played after Jan. 1, in 2010. Spurrier then refused to accept the bonus.
The board also approved an extension and raise for women's basketball coach Dawn Staley.
Staley's contract was extended three years until 2016, and she is now guaranteed $675,000 a year between base salary and guaranteed outside compensation from television and radio appearances, endorsements and fundraising activities. She previously made $650,000.
Also if Staley stays at USC through 2013, she won't have to repay the university a $150,000 loan. USC paid Temple University $500,000 to buy out Staley's contract with her old employer, and Staley has reimbursed the school over the past three years.
Staley also has the potential to make $6,750 if her recruiting classes rank in the top-10 nationally.