Raises for assistant football coaches were approved today by a committee of the University of Alabama trustees and contracts were approved for two new coaches.

In a conference call this morning, Trustees approved a three-year contract for Jim McElwain, hired in January as offensive coordinator, with a $325,000 annual salary. Last season’s coordinator, Major Applewhite, was paid $250,000.

Bobby Williams, who replaced Rick Middleton as tight ends and specials teams coach, had a two-year contract approved. Williams’ salary was set at $290,000, although the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League will pay $100,000 of the salary this year. Williams worked for the Dolphins under current UA head coach Nick Saban, but was dismissed from the team shortly after Saban left for the Crimson Tide in 2007.

Middleton made $230,000 annually under his contract, but left for Duke University at the end of the season.

Trustees also approved a raise for softball coach Patrick Murphy, who will now make $111,921 annually with a $10,000 bonus for incentives.

“He’s doing an excellent job, and one of the of the best in the country,” Athletics Director Mal Moore told trustees.

He said the new salary will likely make Murphy the highest paid softball coach in the Southeastern Conference, but he could be the second-highest paid.

New soccer coach Todd Bramble also had his contract approved. The former Clemson University coach will make $100,000 annually under the three-year contract.

“I’ve very pleased with his hire. He’s a very impressive coach,” Moore said.