While much of the focus centered on the contract extension between the Oklahoma Sooners and the current head coach, another important detail surfaced in the wake of the agreement. Showcasing marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball, the university is enticing Alex Grinch to stay long term.
Included in the details of the terms approved by the Board of Regents, Grinch’s salary is set to increase significantly by a number of $400,000. It brings the salary to $1.8M which is double what Lincoln Riley made in a second year as offensive coordinator with Oklahoma. According to Joe Buettner of the Norman Transcript, the raise also includes a $200,000 yearly stay bonus. Included in the nitty gritty is the three-year extension that should appease the fan base as well as recruits.
In his first year as the defensive coordinator, the Grinch defense secured a record number of sacks during the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns. Continuing to buckle down later throughout the season, the ‘Speed D’ also played a crucial role in the come-from-behind win over the Baylor Bears. Clearly the group is on an upward trajectory and securing a coach for the long haul will play a vital role in the future success of any defense in the Big 12.