Alabama has recently awarded a lucrative three-year contract worth almost $2.5 million to Courtney Morgan, the general manager for Kalen DeBoer’s team in Tuscaloosa. The compensation committee of the university system’s board of trustees approved the deal for Morgan, who was the first hire for DeBoer in his inaugural season as head coach. The contract averages $825,000 per year, totaling $2.475 million.
This move by Alabama may establish a benchmark for the compensation of personnel department leaders in college sports, especially as colleges increasingly resemble professional franchises. The role of general managers in college football has significantly expanded in recent years, encompassing not only high school recruiting but also scouting and managing transfers, reflecting the growing importance of managing roster turnover.
With the current landscape allowing college athletes to transfer more freely, player acquisition and retention have become critical elements for athletic departments. Teams are adapting by enhancing their personnel departments, separating staff into high school and college scouting units, similar to how NFL teams operate. The focus is on acquiring and retaining talented players, given their paramount importance to the success of any program.
As college players are now able to earn NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money, schools are navigating the complexities of managing roster budgets, despite NCAA rules still prohibiting player salaries. The potential introduction of revenue sharing, with a proposed cap per school, could further complicate roster management and require expertise in cap allocation and financial decision-making.
Courtney Morgan’s responsibilities include overseeing the Crimson Tide’s roster, personnel, and recruiting departments, contributing to their highly-ranked 2025 recruiting class. While DeBoer’s coordinators earn substantial salaries, Morgan’s contract is believed to be one of the most significant for a personnel staffer in major college football. His role involves managing communication with recruits, evaluating talent, and assisting with player acquisitions through both high school recruitment and the transfer portal.
Morgan’s loyalty to DeBoer and his reputation for fairness and people skills have been highlighted, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and effective practices in the dynamic and competitive world of college football. This investment by Alabama signifies the evolving landscape of college football and the increasing emphasis on talent acquisition, management, and financial considerations within athletic departments.
