MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia offensive coordinator Jake Spavital’s three-year deal worth $500,000 annually puts him in the midrange of his Big 12 peers.
The conference’s highest-paid assistant last season, Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, earned $1.2 million, followed by Oklahoma’s tandem of Mike Stoops and Lincoln Riley at $905,000 each.
There’s no verification yet on what Baylor is paying the new coordinators on Matt Rhule’s staff, but Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando reportedly will earn $1 million next season, while the Longhorns new offensive play-caller Tim Beck figures to receive a hefty raise from his $604,000 salary at Ohio State.
MORE: Jake Spavital’s 11-page contract
Other top-paid assistants in the Big 12 include recently extended West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson ($900,000) and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer ($600,000).
Spavital’s salary schedule — $450,000 next season, $500,000 in 2018 and $550,000 in 2019 — puts him in line with Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich ($500,000), who reportedly is being pursued by Auburn coach Gus Malzahn.
Kansas State offensive coordinator Dana Dimel received a $474,200 salary for 2016.
Spavital’s incentives range from $5,000 for nine regular-season wins up to $15,000 for 12 wins, identical to what West Virginia gave 2016 offensive coordinator Joe Wickline, who now becomes the line coach. Spavital would receive $10,000 for a Big 12 title game appearance and another $10,000 should the Mountaineers win it.
A CFP playoff berth, championship game and national title are worth $25,000 each.
Spavital’s contract was obtained though a Freedom of Information Request.
Unlike the Wickline and Gibson deals, Spavital has a more coach-friendly out clause — in that he would not owe West Virginia the full remaining amount on his contract if he left for a position within the Big 12.