New Tigers assistants earn more than predecessors

CLEMSON -- Clemson's new assistant football coaches are guaranteed nearly $1 million in compensation for the 2011 season, according to contracts obtained Thursday. The agreements account for a 50 percent raise in compensation for the three positions held last season by assistants Billy Napier, Andre Powell and Chris Rumph.

As previously reported, new offensive coordinator Chad Morris will make $450,000 next season but also has a chance to make a maximum of $120,000 in incentives.

New defensive assistant Marion Hobby is set to make $300,000 in base and supplemental income in each season of his two-year deal, and new running backs coach Tony Elliott has signed a two-year deal at $140,000 per season.

Morris' contract runs through the 2015 season and contains a $50,000 buyout.

Napier and Powell -- who were fired after last season -- and Rumph, who left for Alabama, earned a combined $580,000 last season. The three new coaches will combine for $890,000 in base salary.

Morris is the third highest paid member off the staff after Dabo Swinney ($1.75 million) and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele ($750,000), and Hobby will rank fifth after Charlie Harbison ($325,000).

Morris can earn a $100,000 bonus if Clemson ranks first in the nation in total offense. If Clemson ranks between second and fifth in the country in total offense, Morris will receive a $75,000 and Morris will earn $50,000 for a 6th to 10th finish. Morris can also earn a bonus for a bowl appearance.