Florida coach Urban Meyer signed a six-year contract Monday worth $4 million annually, up from $3.25 million, after leading the Gators to national title in January. The new deal also makes Meyer co-chairman of a university scholarship program. The Florida Opportunity Scholars Program was created by school president Bernie Machen to provide financial assistance to first-generation, financially disadvantaged students working toward bachelor’s degrees. Meyer has committed $1 million to the program over the duration of his contract.
Meyer came to Florida following the 2004 season and has led the Gators to a 44-9 record in four seasons. The Gators are 11-1 against their three main rivals—Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State—and won both national championships games in convincing fashion (41-14 over Ohio State in 2007 and 24-14 over Oklahoma in January).
The deal also makes Meyer the third-highest-paid coach in the country, behind Southern Cal’s Pete Carroll ($4.4 million) and Notre Dame’s Charlie Weis ($4.2 million). Alabama’s Nick Saban is fourth ($3.9 million), followed by Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops ($3.8 million) and LSU’s Les Miles ($3.8 million).
