Under NCAA rules, graduate assistants are paid an amount equal to a school's full in-state grant-in-aid. In addition, the G.A.s must be full-time students in graduate school.
As for coaching duties, graduate assistants can be like full-time coaches, but they are not permitted to contact or evaluate recruits off campus. G.A.s can phone prospects, though.
Individuals may serve as a graduate assistant coach for a period of not more than two years except that if the individual successfully completes 24-semester hours during the initial two-year period, the individual may serve as a graduate assistant coach for a third year.