Greg Byrne, Alabama’s athletics director since 2017, has received a contract extension and raise, and he once again returned Nick Saban to the top of the pay scale in college football.

Nick Saban also received a contract extension through 2030 and raise as his average pay is now $11.7 million, which edges him ahead of Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s new deal of $11.2 million, Alex Scarborough of ESPN reported.

Byrne received a new contract that runs through 2029 and he received a 5% raise, according to multiple reports, including Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News. Byrne, who replaced Bill Battle, previously ran Arizona’s athletic department since 2010, and that followed a stint as Mississippi State’s athletic director. Byrne is the son of Bill Byrne, who retired as Texas A&M’s athletic director in 2012.

While much of Alabama’s success is centered on the football program, Byrne was at the helm of the Crimson Tide when they posted its highest finish in program history in the Learfield Directors’ Cup at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, placing seventh, as well as its second-highest finish at 14th following the 2017-18 season. Byrne also brought on Nate Oats (men’s basketball), Brad Bohannon (baseball), Margo Geer (men’s and women’s swimming and diving), Ashley Johnston (gymnastics), Glenn Putyrae (rowing) and Rashinda Reed (volleyball).

Along with hiring coaches, Byrne has led Alabama’s efforts to raise more than $470 million toward The Crimson Standard capital campaign, and more than half of the 10-year goal of $600 million completed in a little over 2 years, according to his Alabama bio.