Alabama gives top general manager $2.4 million reasons to spurn Lincoln Riley and USC

Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans tried their best to pry Alabama general manager Courtney Morgan away from Kalen DeBoer, but those efforts ended on Monday evening. Despite USC offering a compensation package reportedly worth more than $1 million per year, the Crimson Tide retained Morgan on a three-year deal averaging almost $825,000 per year.

Morgan's influence has quickly become apparent in the DeBoer era at Tuscaloosa. Recognized by many as the premier recruiter nationwide and a leading figure in collegiate football's strategic aspects off the field, Morgan has been pivotal in the "Cold Summer" recruiting campaign throughout Alabama this season.

Kalen DeBoer's team has consistently shown loyalty, with Morgan and a group of staff relocating with DeBoer from Seattle, Washington, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Off the field, Morgan has played a crucial role in Kalen DeBoer's and Alabama's early achievements. His recruiting efforts have propelled Alabama to second in 247 Sports' overall recruiting class rankings.

Morgan's contributions were key in assembling the teams for Michigan and Washington, contenders in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Alabama is optimistic that Morgan will guide the team back to its former glory, a status it hasn't achieved in four years.

In March, the Board of Trustees approved a $500,000 contract for Morgan. Pending the board's approval on Tuesday, he is set to receive a significant salary increase of $325,000 shortly after starting his new role.