Alabama football general manager Courtney Morgan has agreed to a new, precedent-setting contract with the Crimson Tide following a summer approach from USC, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday night.
Morgan will earn an average of $825,000 annually under the three-year contract, a deal that bolsters his place as college football’s highest-paid front office figure.
The new deal will be formally approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees on Tuesday, but sources tell ESPN that the updated contract has been agreed upon for some time.
Morgan, the general manager behind Washington’s 2024 national runner-up finish, stands among the highest-rising stars of college football’s rapidly growing front office and personnel space.
Morgan spent the past two seasons with Kalen DeBoer at Washington, then followed the 49-year-old coach to Alabama earlier this year when the Crimson Tide hired DeBoer to replace Nick Saban. The former Michigan, San Jose State and Fresno State staffer has been critical in assembling a 2025 recruiting class that sits second nationally in ESPN’s latest team rankings for the cycle.
Morgan’s success has attracted interest from across the country. Sources told ESPN that after USC attempted to hire Morgan this summer to a similar personnel position, DeBoer moved quickly to secure Morgan’s future in Tuscaloosa, sealing a market-smashing extension.
Morgan earned an annual base salary of $500,000 in his initial contract with Alabama, finalized in February. His upgraded deal marks the latest piece of significant investment in the front office space across football.
ESPN’s Jake Trotter reported earlier this summer that Texas Tech general manager James Blanchard had received a new, two-year contract worth $800,000 total.
The University of Alabama, long known for its dominant football program under head coach Nick Saban, has just made another strategic move to solidify its position as a powerhouse in college football. In a landmark decision, Alabama has agreed to a record deal with Courtney Morgan, one of the most respected General Managers (GM) in college football recruiting.
Morgan, who has built a strong reputation for his keen eye for talent and strategic recruiting acumen, will be stepping into a pivotal role at Alabama, overseeing recruiting operations and roster management. His appointment is seen as a move that not only reinforces Alabama’s already formidable recruiting department but also signals the program’s intention to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football.
Who is Courtney Morgan?
Courtney Morgan is no stranger to high-level football operations. A former offensive lineman at the University of Michigan, Morgan transitioned into the business side of college football after his playing days. He has held key roles at several major programs, including Michigan, UCLA, and Washington, where he has been instrumental in building top recruiting classes and establishing deep ties with high school coaches across the country.
Known for his strategic approach to recruiting, Morgan is a master at identifying under-the-radar prospects who go on to become key contributors at the collegiate level. His ability to connect with recruits and their families, coupled with his deep understanding of the intricacies of roster management, has made him one of the most sought-after recruiting minds in the sport.The Impact on Alabama Football
For Alabama, the addition of Morgan to the staff is a statement of intent. While the Crimson Tide already boasts one of the most successful recruiting operations in the nation, bringing in a GM of Morgan’s caliber ensures that the program will continue to stay ahead of the competition. His expertise in scouting, evaluating talent, and building relationships with top high school programs across the country will be invaluable as Alabama looks to maintain its dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.
Morgan’s influence is expected to extend beyond recruiting. His experience in roster management will allow Alabama to maximize its talent pool, ensuring that the team remains deep at every position and ready to compete for championships year after year. With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly important part of roster construction, Morgan’s knowledge of the transfer market will also be a key asset for Alabama moving forward.
A Record Deal
The terms of Morgan’s deal with Alabama have set a new benchmark for recruiting positions in college football. While specific financial details have not been disclosed, sources indicate that the deal includes a significant salary increase from his previous positions and is one of the most lucrative contracts ever awarded to a non-coaching football staff member. This reflects the growing importance of recruiting and roster management in college football, where having the right GM can be as crucial as having the right head coach.
Alabama’s willingness to invest in a top-tier GM like Morgan underscores the program’s commitment to maintaining its status as a perennial national championship contender. As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and an increasingly competitive recruiting environment, having someone like Morgan leading the charge will be a huge advantage for the Crimson Tide.
What This Means for the Future
With Courtney Morgan now a key part of Alabama’s football operations, the program is positioned to continue its tradition of excellence on the recruiting trail. His ability to identify and secure elite talent will only enhance Alabama’s ability to reload year after year, ensuring that the Crimson Tide remains a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and beyond.
As Alabama continues to adapt to the changing dynamics of college football, the addition of a GM like Morgan is a reminder that the program is always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. With Morgan’s expertise, Alabama fans can look forward to more top-tier recruiting classes and, ultimately, more championship runs in the years to come.