– University of Alabama at Birmingham Director of Athleticshas announced that an agreement in principle has been reached with Blazer Head Football Coachto make Clark the highest-paid coach in Conference USA, pending approval by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees."We are excited to announce this news that I know will be enthusiastically welcomed by the UAB family," Ingram said. "UAB football is enjoying unprecedented success under Coach Clark, including our first-ever appearance in the Conference USA Championship this Saturday."The new agreement is a five-year term that extends through the 2023-2024 football season. Clark's compensation will begin at $1.45 million and reach $1.65 million over the life of the term. Funding for the salary will be supported by UAB, as well as a significant portion from the UAB Athletics Foundation."I am proud to be a Blazer and want to thank President Watts,, the Board of Trustees and the UAB Athletics Foundation for their ongoing support of my coaching staff and me as we continue to make history for this great university," Clark said. "UAB Football has a bright future, and Jennifer and I are excited about what this contract extension means for us to continue to be part of this special community of players and coaches, fans and supporters, students, faculty and staff for years to come."Clark has led the Blazers to bowl eligibility in all three of his seasons of competition at UAB, and he is 17-8 overall and 13-3 in Conference USA since #theReturn in 2017. The 17 combined wins are a school record for the most combined victories over a two-year span, while the 13 league wins are the most of any Conference USA team since the start of 2017.The Blazers currently rank eighth nationally in total defense and are top-10 in seven different national statistical categories. UAB has set a school record in total wins (9), C-USA wins (7) and sacks (41)."This has been a thrilling year for UAB football," said Hatton Smith, chair of the UAB Athletics Foundation, "and it has been a great experience for the Athletics Foundation to collaborate with UAB, UA System and Board leadership as we worked together in support of an agreement on terms with Coach Clark. This commitment is a significant investment building on our tremendous momentum."As with all multiple-year coaching agreements, it is subject to final approval by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees."These are historic times at UAB, which is a testament to the partnership and leadership of all involved," said Ron Gray, President pro tem of the Board of Trustees. "A special meeting of the Compensation Committee will occur within the coming weeks to formally review this agreement. On behalf of the Board, I want to congratulate Coach Clark, his staff and the team on a record season as we look forward to continued success at UAB.""Excellence is the standard across all areas of our multifaceted mission," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "Coach Clark, his coaching staff and players — with the support of many — have raised the bar for UAB Football, and we share a commitment to sustain that excellence."