Top 20 highest paid college football coaches in 2024

In the world of football, the role of college coaches is not only to instruct players on the field, but also to play an important role in building and developing the team. In an increasingly competitive market, attracting and retaining influential and experienced coaches has become a top priority for universities. They are not only outstanding coaches but also leaders who shape the future of their schools’ football programs. With high salaries and unlimited development opportunities, top college coaches are now actively contributing to the prosperity of both their clubs and the academic community. So who is the highest paid college football coach? In the following article, let’s explore with premiumsoccertips the list of highest paid college football coaches and their contributions to the field and education.

Top highest paid football coaches today

1. Nick Saban (University of Alabama – $11.41 million)

Mr. Nick Saban is currently the head coach of the University of Alabama football team, topping the list of highest paid coaches in college football. At times, people may forget that he led the Miami Dolphins through several unsuccessful seasons (with a combined 15-17 finish), but he still made nearly $5 million per year.

However, his time in Tuscaloosa was a much more successful and dramatic change. Under his leadership for sixteen seasons, the Crimson Tide won eight SEC championships and six national championships. Mr. Saban has coached four Heisman Trophy winners, has won the Coach of the Year award nine times and boasts an overall winning percentage of 88%.

2. Dabo Swinney (Clemson University – $10.88 million)

William Christopher “Dabo” Swinney has proven impressive in his college football career, not only as a player but also as an outstanding coach. Signing a contract extension in 2022 solidified his position as head coach of the Clemson Tigers through the end of the 2031 season.

Dabo was involved with the Alabama Crimson Tide football program as part of the team and contributed to the team’s national championship run in 1992. In 2008, he became the head coach of the Clemson Tigers, replacing his predecessor at Alabama, Tommy Bowden. In 2016 and 2018, Swinney led the Clemson Tigers to national championships and his overall record at Clemson was 165-43. His contract has a total value of 115 million USD.

3. Kirby Smart (University of Georgia – 10.71 million USD)

In the list of highest paid coaches in college football, the next name is Mr. Kirby Smart – Head Coach of the University of Georgia football team. In 2015, Kirby Smart took over as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, the team he played for as a college student. Since he took over this position, the Bulldogs have lost only 15 matches.

The team has won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and so far, they have not had a defeat this year. At the same time, Kirby Smart also signed a large multi-year contract. In the previous year, he signed a $112.5 million extension, committing to be head coach of the Bulldogs through 2031.

4. Ryan Day (Ohio State University – $10.27 million)

Ohio State Buckeyes football head coach Ryan Day is currently receiving a salary of up to $10.27 million this year, equivalent to about 10% of the team’s total revenue. Although Ohio State has had impressive achievements under his leadership, he has yet to lead them to a national championship.

Experts don’t want to just mention Ryan here, but want to honor the uniqueness of these college football coaching gigs: From 2010 to 2014, under Bruce Bochy, the San Francisco Giants were won three World Series titles. Three titles at that time, Bochy only received about 6 million USD per year.

5. Mel Tucker (Michigan State University – 10.02 million USD)

Mel Tucker has lost his position as head coach of the Michigan Football Team. In September, Tucker was fired after news of sexual harassment allegations from Brenda Tracy, a prominent advocate for sexual assault survivors and herself a among the survivors. Tucker has served as head coach of the Michigan football team since 2020.

In 2021, he signed a 10-year contract extension worth up to 95 million USD. Firing him for cause would help Michigan State avoid having to pay him the remainder of his contract, up to $80 million. Harlon Barnett has been named interim coach of Michigan State University following Tucker’s firing.

6. Lincoln Riley (University of Southern California – 10 million USD)

In the top 20 highest-paid college football coaches, AD College coach Lincoln Riley ranked 6th. Because USC is a private university, they are not required to publish details about salaries and contracts. by their head football coach, Lincoln Riley. However, reports have indicated that his contract is worth up to $110 million over 10 years, making him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country.

Before joining USC, Riley served as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, where he compiled a 55-10 record, making him the coach with the highest winning percentage in OU’s history. Since arriving at USC, however, his record is 18-5, and he has struggled to make the playoffs: He has only led the team 1–4 in games. tough and 0-3 in college football playoffs.

7. Brian Kelly (Louisiana – 9.9 million USD)

In 2021, Brian Kelly left Notre Dame to take over as head coach of the LSU Tigers, signing a 10-year contract with a total value of up to $95 million. With an average base salary of $9.5 million per year, he became one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country. However, his contract also includes many bonuses and perks, making the deal more attractive.

For example, each time he appears in the SEC finals, Kelly will be awarded an additional $75,000. If the LSU Tigers win, this number will double to $150,000. Every year that Kelly remains manager of the Tigers, he will receive an additional half million dollars – a bonus known as the “longevity bonus.” Oh, and if the Tigers make it to the national finals, Kelly will also get another half million dollars.

8. Jimbo Fisher (Texas A&M – 9.1 million USD)

In August 2021, Fisher signed a four-year contract extension and was named head coach of the Aggies football team through 2031. His average annual salary is $9 million. Even though his team had an unsuccessful season last year, with the risk of having to pay up to $86 million in debt if he was fired mid-season, he fought to keep his job.

Although the university would have to pay a significant severance pay – $76 million – to terminate his contract this year, Fisher’s position is still considered stable, despite his performance. The Aggies were just average at 5-4 and no longer had a chance to compete for an SEC or national championship.

9. Mark Stoops (University of Kentucky – 9 million USD)

Mark Stoops has been the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats football team since 2013, and in 2022, he signed a contract extension, committing to stay in Lexington through 2030, with an annual salary of $9 million la.

The Wildcats had a 7-6 record last year. This season, however, they are 6-3 and overall, Stoops is the coach with the most wins in school history.

10. Josh Heupel (University of Tennessee – 9 million USD)

With a maximum salary of up to 9 million USD, Josh Heupel ranked 10th in the top 20 highest-paid college football coaches. During his first year at the University of Tennessee, his team went a combined 7-6, ending in an overtime loss to Purdue.

Last year, the Volunteers had an 11-2 record and beat Clemson to win the Orange Bowl. If Heupel continues this trend, the contract extension he signed – which increases his annual salary to around $9 million – will almost certainly be seen as a positive decision. And this is one of the key factors in the competition for a head coaching position in the SEC today.

11. Lane Kiffin (Mississippi – 9 million USD)

Lane Kiffin just completed his third season at Ole Miss and led the Rebels to three consecutive bowl appearances in his first few years at Oxford. With 11 years of coaching experience in the NCAA, Kiffin boasts an all-time record of 84-47, including a 23-13 record at Ole Miss.

The Rebels again ranked among the nation’s leaders in several offensive categories in 2022. Ole Miss ranked No. 3 nationally in total offense (256.6) and No. 8 in total offense. number of touches (496.4). Kiffin was instrumental in recruiting and training talented recruits such as Quinshon Judkins. Judkins set Ole Miss single-season records for both rushing attempts (1,567) and rushing touchdowns (16).

12. James Franklin (Penn State – $8.5 million)

Ranklin was born in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1972, to James Oliver and Jocelyn “Josie” Franklin. He attended Neshaminy High School in Langhorne and continued his college education at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he played quarterback for four years.

Beginning his coaching career in 1995, Franklin took on a coaching role at Pennsylvania’s Kutztown University. He also had the opportunity to intern with several National Football League (NFL) teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings.

13. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan – 8.3 million USD)

James Joseph Harbaugh, born December 23, 1963, is not only a football coach and former quarterback, but also the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Previously, he led the University of Michigan from 2015 to 2023, the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, Stanford University from 2007 to 2010 and the University of San Diego from 2004 to 2006.

Harbaugh began his college football career at Michigan from 1983 to 1986, before playing in the NFL for 14 seasons from 1987 to 2000, with his longest stint (1987–1993) as a player in the NFL. Chicago Bears. From 1994 to 2001, while still playing in the NFL, Harbaugh served as an unpaid assistant coach at Western Kentucky University, where his father, Jack, was the head coach.

14. Mario Cristobal (Miami – 8 million USD)

Mario Cristobal ranked 14th on the list of highest paid college football coaches. He was born on September 24, 1970, is the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes football team at the University of Miami, with Cuban-American blood. Previously, Cristobal led the football team of Florida International University (FIU) from 2007 to 2012 and the University of Oregon from 2017 to 2021.

Cristobal’s coaching career began at the University of Miami, when he worked as a graduate assistant for head football coach Butch Davis from 1998 to 2000. From 2001 to 2003, Cristobal was the offensive team and head coach at Rutgers University under Greg Schiano. He then returned to Miami to serve as line coach and offensive line coach under Larry Coker for three seasons from 2004 to 2006.

15. Luke Fickell (Wisconsin – 7.6 million USD)

Luke Joseph Fickell, born August 18, 1973, is not only a coach but also a famous former American football player. He is currently the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Previously, he led the University of Cincinnati football team from 2016 to November 2022.

Fickell began his college football career at Ohio State University from 1993 to 1996, playing at nose guard, before becoming an assistant coach for the Buckeyes. In 2011, Fickell was named interim head coach to replace Jim Tressel, who was suspended for five games by the NCAA due to a recruiting scandal. However, later in May of the same year, Tressel resigned and Fickell was signed on a one-year contract as interim coach, for the 2011 season only.

16. Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State – $7.6 million)

Michael Ray Gundy, born August 12, 1967, is not only a coach but also a famous former American football player. He is currently the head coach of the Oklahoma State University football team. Gundy played college football at Oklahoma State, where he served as quarterback from 1986 to 1989. He became head coach of Oklahoma State on January 3, 2005.

Gundy, along with Kyle Whittingham of the University of Utah, is currently one of the longest-tenured FBS coaches with a single school, second only to Kirk Ferentz. He also holds the record for the longest tenure in the Big 12 Conference.

17. Mike Norvell (Florida State – 7.3 million USD)

Mario Cristobal is the next name we want to mention in the list of highest paid college football coaches. Michael Kelly Norvell, born October 11, 1981, is an American college football coach, currently serving as head coach at Florida State University. Before that, he had coaching experience at Memphis, Arizona State, Pittsburgh, Tulsa and Central Arkansas.

Norvell played at Central Arkansas from 2001 to 2005 and led the way in scoring in the school’s history. On December 8, 2019, Florida State University officially announced Norvell as head football coach. His initial contract is worth $26.5 million over 6 years. On October 17, 2020, Norvell led the Seminoles to a win over North Carolina, becoming the first ACC coach to defeat a top-20 opponent in their first year.

18. Billy Napier (Florida – 7.3 million USD)

William Billy Napier (born July 21, 1979) is an American football coach, currently serving as head coach at the University of Florida. From 2017 to 2021, he led the football team at the University of Louisiana, where he established a 40-12 record over four seasons, with three straight winning 10-win seasons and two shutout seasons. in the AP Poll, both were firsts for the season in the program’s history.

Before coming to Louisiana, he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona State University in 2017. On November 28, 2021, Napier was named the second head football coach 28 at the University of Florida, replacing Dan Mullen. His appointment was officially announced by Florida through a press conference on December 5, 2021.

19. Brent Venables (Oklahoma – 7 million USD)

Thomas Brent Venables born December 18, 1970 is an American football coach and is currently the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma, a position he has accepted from the 2022 season onwards. Before that, Venables had a long tenure at Clemson University from 2012 to 2021, holding roles such as associate head coach, defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. He was honored with the Broyles Award in 2016.

In 1993, Venables began his coaching career at Kansas State as a graduate assistant. Then, in 1996, he was promoted to midfield coach and held the position until 1998. On 5 December 2021, Venables was appointed as the 23rd head coach at the University of Oklahoma, replacing Lincoln Riley after he left the position to become head coach at the University of Southern California (USC).

20. Kirk Ferentz (Iowa – 7 million USD)

In the list of highest paid college football coaches, it is impossible not to mention coach Kirk Ferentz. Kirk James Ferentz (born August 1, 1955) is a famous American football coach. He is currently the head coach of the University of Iowa football team, a position he has held since the 1999 season.

Before coming to Iowa, from 1990 to 1992, Ferentz served as head coach at the University of Maine. He also has experience as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Ferentz also played college football, serving as a cornerback at the University of Connecticut from 1974 to 1976. As of 2017, he is the longest-tenured FBS coach with a programme. Ferentz is also the all-time leader in wins at Iowa.

Conclude

Above is the list of 20 highest paid college football coaches. It’s interesting to see that there are many talented strategists who are paid incredibly high salaries, making even the players jealous. Of course, they have to invest a lot of knowledge and effort in researching tactics, developing match reading skills and understanding the game. Therefore, it is reasonable for them to be paid such a large amount. To learn more interesting information about sports and betting, please visit our website every day to update more interesting information!

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