TUSCALOOSA, Ala., May 8 (UPI) -- The University of Alabama announced Thursday night it had hired Mike Shula to help restore prestige to the school's storied but sullied football program.
Shula, an assistant with the Miami Dolphins and a former quarterback of the Crimson Tide, became the successor to Mike Price and was given a six-year contract worth $900,000 per year.
"Mike (Shula) brings a mixture of youth and experience to our program while at the same time, a 15-year career in the NFL has prepared him for the step he is taking today," Alabama Athletic Director Hal Moore said. "It was that mix of enthusiasm, experience and ties to the University of Alabama that made Mike the perfect fot for this job."
On Saturday, Alabama made the stunning decision to fire Price before he even coached a game for the school. Price was unable to defuse the controversy surrounding his off-the-field behavior, which included a visit to a topless bar and unusual charges to a hotel bill.
While Price had no previous ties to Alabama when he was hired away from Washington State last December, Shula quarterbacked the Crimson Tide from 1983-86 and was a starter each of his last three seasons.
At a school where traditions run deep, finding a coach with Alabama roots emerged as an essential requirement.
"I am obviously excited about this job," the 37-year-old Shula said. "There is a bright future ahead for Alabama. I am thrilled to once again be part of Alabama football."
NFL assistants Sylvester Croom of the Green Bay Packers and Richard Williamson of the Carolina Panthers also were mentioned as leading candidates to replace Price.
Shula is the son of former Dolphins coach Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history. He becomes the third Alabama coach in less than a year.
Price replaced Dennis Franchione, who left abruptly to become coach at Texas A&M and -- like Price -- had no previous ties to Alabama.
Price coached the team during spring practice and apparently made a favorable impression as many players argued on his behalf.
Mike Shula inherits a program that is on NCAA probation. The Crimson Tide went 10-3 last season but were under a bowl ban that stretches to 2003 as part of NCAA sanctions that include scholarship reductions.
Alabama is one of the most recognized programs in college football, but has just once national championship since Bear Bryant retired in 1982. That came 11 years ago under Gene Stallings.
Mike Shula played under Ray Perkins at Alabama and was an offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-99.
At 37, he is the youngest Alabama coach since Frank Thomas was hired in 1931 at the age of 33.
Mike Shula has been an NFL assistant since 1990 and has been with the Dolphins since 2000. He was tight ends coach of the Chicago Bears from 1993-95.
