South Carolina approves raise for Johnson
COLUMBIA, S.C. — An executive committee of South Carolina’s board of trustees on Thursday approved a salary increase for an assistant football coach and approved the issuance of bonds that will help improve the school’s athletic facilities.
Officials approved doubling defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson’s salary to $700,000. Johnson’s contract was also extended two seasons, keeping him in charge of the Gamecocks defense through 2013.
The bond issue sparked discussion among board members, some of whom are hopeful that South Carolina can become more competitive in the Southeastern Conference.
Increasing Johnson’s contract gained unanimous support. In two seasons, the Gamecocks have been among the best defenses in the league. They were 13th nationally in 2008 and 15th in the country last season.
Hyman said Johnson’s 100 percent increase came in a counteroffer after another SEC school wanted Johnson to lead its defense. Hyman would not name the league rival, although Florida, Georgia and Tennessee have all recently filled defensive coordinator openings.
Hyman said rising salaries of coordinators and assistants were a source of concern to himself and his SEC colleagues. He’s not sure when or if the escalation in pursuit of success will end. “My wife joked with me that I should’ve stayed in coaching,” he said.
GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
