Former Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was introduced as Michigan's offensive coordinator on Friday and athletic director Dave Brandon said that Nussmeier would not make more than defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
When news of Nussmeier's hire emerged, it was reported that he would make a "top-five" salary for an assistant. When asked about that information, Brandon said he didn't know where the reports came from.
"I don't know where those reports come from," Brandon said. "I don't even know if those people know what coordinators are even being paid, because in some cases, that's real hard information to get.
"We put together a package for Doug that's consistent with what we've done here at Michigan. And you'll all get a copy of it when it's done. But we don't have a contract yet."
Per the Detroit News, Mattison was the fourth-highest paid assistant coach in the country last season. It's possible that Nussmeier's contract could slot him in right behind Mattison's and into that "top-five" designation.
Mattison's salary in 2013 was $851,400 and offensive coordinator Al Borges made $709,300. The announcement of Borges' firing came Wednesday, just before Nussmeier's hire was reported. At Alabama last season, Nussmeier made $681,500.
Brandon said Friday that the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator was all Hoke's. Borges had been with Hoke at San Diego State and came with him when he accepted the Michigan job before the 2011 season. When asked if a change was needed, Brandon said yes. Michigan finished 7-6 last season and struggled running the football. The Wolverines were 86th in total offense.
"Sometimes you look at results and you look at performance and you look at accountability, and you've got to make changes," Brandon said. "I respect the fact that Brady stepped up to that. This is an important change.
"His relationship with Al went back several years. I respect Al a lot. I enjoy Al. I appreciate everything he did here. But we needed a change. We needed energy. We needed new direction and an offense that was building and gaining confidence and improving. And I believe with Doug being here we have a high probability of doing that."
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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