TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama football coach Mike Shula received a new six-year contract Wednesday worth $1.55 million per year.

Alabama coach Mike Shula talks with reporters at a news conference in Irving, Texas, in this Dec. 30, 2005 photo. Alabama football coach Mike Shula received a new six-year contract Wednesday May 3, 2006 worth $1.55 million per year. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

The deal extends his contract two years through early 2012, with a raise of $650,000 plus a $200,000 signing bonus. Shula led the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in his third season.

The university's trustees compensation committee unanimously approved the contract, moving Shula's salary into the upper half among coaches in the Southeastern Conference. Shula guided his alma mater back from NCAA sanctions and two quick coaching changes.

"I'm excited about our future at Alabama and I love the university," he said. "This is a great place to live and work. With our new facilities and support areas, our future is very bright."

Shula receives an increase from $150,000 to $200,000 in his base salary and an increase from $750,000 to $1.35 million in "talent fees." Shula would also get $200,000 annually in deferred compensation after the contract is completed.

Shula posted a 20-17 record at Alabama after going 4-9 in his debut season when he replaced Mike Price, who was fired four months before his first season for off-the-field behavior.

Only four SEC coaches are set to make more than Shula next season: Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Georgia's Mark Richt, Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer and Florida's Urban Meyer all make about $2 million a year.

"We are certainly happy to know that Mike Shula will be our coach for many years to come," athletic director Mal Moore said.