Georgia's Garner given raise, talks with SaintsAssociated PressATHENS, Ga. - Georgia recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Rodney Garner and eight other Georgia assistants have been given pay raises as Garner awaits word on a possible move to the NFL.
The pay increases were promised last month when Georgia's athletic board approved a new eight-year, $16 million contract for coach Mark Richt.
Garner, who considered an interview with LSU last offseason, has interviewed with the New Orleans Saints for a position as a defensive assistant.
Garner's interest in moving to the NFL was first reported Sunday by the Athens Banner-Herald.
"I know that we want Rodney Garner to coach at the University of Georgia," athletic director Damon Evans told the paper. "We're pleased with the job he's done, not just recruiting, but coaching. He's a good coach, but more than that a good man."
Last year Garner's pay was raised to $210,000 after he decided to remain at Georgia. The latest raise, reported Tuesday by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, pushes his pay to $231,000.
Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez will earn $206,000 in 2006. Offensive line coach/coordinator Neil Callaway's new contract will pay him $203,500.
Also receiving raises were wide receivers coach and assistant head coach John Eason ($175,500), defensive ends coach Jon Fabris ($170,000), tight ends coach Dave Johnson ($143,000), quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo ($143,000), linebackers coach John Jancek ($137,500) and running backs coach Kirby Smart ($137,500).
"We believe the total salary pool puts us with the top 10 programs in the country," Frank Crumley, senior associate athletics director for finance and administration, told the Atlanta paper.
Richt and his staff, including Garner, are on an annual cruise this week.
The Saints are expected to fill most of their staff by next Wednesday.
Garner led the recruiting efforts as Georgia unveiled a highly regarded signing class last week. He is regarded as one of the nation's top recruiters but has ambitions to be a head coach and wants to be known as more than a recruiter.
The Saints' new head coach, Sean Payton, already has hired two former Georgia assistants. Former Georgia defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs will direct the Saints' defense. Former Georgia offensive line coach Doug Marrone has been named New Orleans' offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.
Garner worked with Gibbs and Marrone at Georgia.
Richt won his new contract after leading Georgia to the 2005 Southeastern Conference championship. Georgia finished the season No. 10 in the final Associated Press Top 25.
