Texas football is still moving right ahead amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has hindered many operations.
Recruiting has been in full force, landing several highly sought-after prospects while sending numerous offers to other players around the country. Now, four important coaches are set to receive new contracts.
According to Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman, three coaches will be receiving raises while the contract for new associate head coach Mark Hagen has been finalized.
Some new football coaches contracts set to be approved by Texas regents. Mark Hagen starts at $550,000. Others get raises: RB Stan Drayton ($650,000), OL Herb Hand ($700,000) and strength coach Yancy McKnight ($510,000).
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) May 4, 2020
Hagen’s contract starts at $550,000, where he will work with the defensive line alongside Oscar Giles. He has 28 years of coaching experience, most recently spending time at Indiana where he served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
Running backs coach Stan Drayton is expected to receive a raise to increase his total contract to $650,000. Drayton’s one-year assignment letter in 2019 was an estimated $515,000. This is the least surprising of the raises, as Drayton has been a wanted man among NFL organizations recently.
Offensive line coach Herb Hand is also expected to receive a raise. Left tackle Sam Cosmi is projected to be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, if Herb can land five-star offensive lineman Tommy Brockermeyer from the 2021 recruiting class, he would be set up for success both on and off the field.
Strength coach Yancy McKnight is well-respected among players and coaches at Texas. His contract increases to $510,000, making him one of the top ten highest-paid strength coaches in college football.