Steele will remain at Clemson

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ATLANTA — Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is expected to remain at Clemson after mulling a lucrative offer from Tennessee, his alma mater.

Two sources close to the situation said Steele had yet to inform new Vols coach Derek Dooley of the decision as of Tuesday evening, but Steele told members of Clemson's coaching staff he intended to return.

He apparently will do so at a discount, although the 51-year-old from Dillon is expected to get a significant raise nonetheless.

Steele declined comment when reached by phone.

He made $375,000 in his first season at Clemson, having served as Alabama�s highest-ranking defensive coach the previous two seasons.

Tennessee is believed to have offered Steele close to, if not in excess of, double his current salary � the latest example of SEC programs taking advantage of their lucrative television rights money from ESPN. Georgia recently hired Dallas Cowboys line coach Todd Grantham for $750,000 annually.

It is unclear how much Clemson promised Steele with its counteroffer, but Steele will not make as much as he would have had he gone to Tennessee, one source said.

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Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010