How Much Do College Football Coaches Make? A Comprehensive Look at Salaries and Trends

College football is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the head coaches of these teams are some of the highest-paid individuals in the world of sports. In recent years, the salaries of college football coaches have skyrocketed, with some coaches earning tens of millions of dollars per year. The question on many people’s minds is: how much do college football coaches actually make?

According to data from USA Today, the highest-paid college football coach in 2022 was Nick Saban of the University of Alabama, who earned a salary of $11.7 million.

Other top earners included Kirby Smart of the University of Georgia, who earned $11.25 million, and Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M University, who earned $9 million.

These salaries are significantly higher than the average salary of a college professor, which is around $78,000 per year.

While the salaries of college football coaches may seem exorbitant, it’s important to note that these coaches are responsible for leading their teams to victory and generating millions of dollars in revenue for their universities.

In fact, a college football program’s success can significantly impact a university’s enrollment, fundraising, and overall reputation. As a result, universities are often willing to pay top dollar to secure the services of a successful coach.

Average Annual Salary of College Football Coaches

College football coaches are some of the highest-paid employees in the United States. The average annual salary of college football coaches varies depending on the level of competition and the success of the program.

According to USA Today’s annual review of coaches’ compensation, the average total pay for FBS head coaches in 2020-21 is $2.7 million, a 1.1% increase from the previous year.

The highest-paid college football coach in 2020-21 is Nick Saban of the University of Alabama, with a total pay of $11.1 million.

Saban has been the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide since 2007 and has led the team to six national championships.

Ed Orgeron of Louisiana State University is the second-highest-paid college football coach, with a total pay of $8.9 million. (*He is no longer the coach at LSU. He was let go)

The table below shows the top 10 highest-paid college football coaches in 2020-21:

Rank	Coach	School	Total Pay
1	Nick Saban	University of Alabama	$11.1 million
2	Ed Orgeron	Louisiana State University	$8.9 million
3	Dabo Swinney	Clemson University	$8.3 million
4	Jim Harbaugh	University of Michigan	$8.0 million
5	Gus Malzahn	Auburn University	$7.7 million
6	Kirby Smart	University of Georgia	$6.9 million
7	Tom Herman	University of Texas	$6.8 million
8	Jeff Brohm	Purdue University	$6.6 million
9	Jimbo Fisher	Texas A&M University	$6.5 million
10	Lincoln Riley	University of Oklahoma	$6.4 million

It is worth noting that the salaries of college football coaches can vary widely. While the top coaches make millions of dollars per year, many coaches at smaller schools make significantly less.

According to the same USA Today report, the average total pay for FCS head coaches in 2020-21 is $290,000, while the average total pay for Division II head coaches is $100,000.

In conclusion, the average annual salary of college football coaches is around $2.7 million, with the highest-paid coaches making significantly more.

The salaries of college football coaches can vary widely depending on the level of competition and the success of the program.

Highest-Paid College Football Coaches

College football is a billion-dollar industry, and head coaches play a vital role in the success of their teams.

As a result, colleges and universities are willing to pay top dollar to attract and retain the best coaches. In this section, we will explore the salaries of the highest-paid college football coaches, bonuses, offset language in contracts, longevity, and job security.

Top 5 Highest-Paid College Football Coaches

According to USA Today, the top five highest-paid college football coaches in 2022 were:

1. Nick Saban, University of Alabama – $11,100,000
2. Ed Orgeron, Louisiana State University – $8,700,000
3. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M University – $7,500,000
4. Kirby Smart, University of Georgia – $7,400,000
5. Dabo Swinney, Clemson University – $7,300,000

It’s worth noting that these salaries are not just for coaching football. They also include compensation for media appearances, endorsements, and other duties.

Bonuses for College Football Coaches

In addition to their base salaries, college football coaches can earn significant bonuses for various achievements.

These bonuses can include winning conference championships, bowl games, and national championships. For example, in 2021, Nick Saban earned a $400,000 bonus for winning the SEC Championship and a $600,000 bonus for winning the National Championship.

Offset Language in College Football Coach Contracts

Offset language is a clause in a coach’s contract that allows the university to reduce the amount of money owed to the coach if they are fired and take a job with another team.

For example, if a coach is owed $5 million over the next two years and takes a job with another team that pays $2 million per year, the university would only owe the coach $1 million per year for the next two years.

Longevity of College Football Coaches

College football coaches who have been with their team for a long time can earn more money than those who are new to the job.

For example, Nick Saban has been the head coach at the University of Alabama since 2007 and has won seven national championships during his tenure. As a result, he has been able to negotiate higher salaries and bonuses.

Job Security for College Football Coaches

Despite the high salaries and bonuses, college football coaches are not immune to being fired. In fact, many coaches are fired after just a few years on the job if they fail to produce results.

However, coaches who have been successful over a long period of time can enjoy job security and the ability to negotiate favorable contracts.

In conclusion, college football coaches are some of the highest-paid employees at universities across the country.

They can earn millions of dollars in base salary, bonuses, and other compensation.

However, their job security is often tied to their performance on the field, and they can be fired if they fail to meet expectations.

Top College Football Coaches and Their Salaries

College football coaches are some of the highest-paid professionals in the sports industry. Here’s a look at the top college football coaches and their salaries:

Nick Saban

Nick Saban is the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

He is one of the most successful coaches in college football history, having won seven national championships, six of which were at Alabama. Saban’s current salary is $9.3 million per year, making him the highest-paid coach in college football.

Dabo Swinney

Dabo Swinney is the head coach of the Clemson Tigers football team. He has led the team to two national championships and five ACC championships.

Swinney’s current salary is $8.3 million per year, making him the second-highest-paid coach in college football.

Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh is the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team. He has led the team to three 10-win seasons and one appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh’s current salary is $8.05 million per year, making him the third-highest-paid coach in college football.

Lincoln Riley

Lincoln Riley is the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team. He has led the team to four Big 12 championships and two appearances in the College Football Playoff.

Riley’s current salary is $7.5 million per year, making him the fourth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Kirby Smart

Kirby Smart is the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team. He has led the team to two SEC championships and one appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Smart’s current salary is $7.1 million per year, making him the fifth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Mel Tucker

Mel Tucker is the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans football team. He has previously been an assistant coach in the NFL and college football.

Tucker’s current salary is $6.5 million per year, making him the sixth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Dan Mullen

Dan Mullen is the head coach of the Florida Gators football team. He has led the team to two New Year’s Six bowl games and one SEC East championship.

Mullen’s current salary is $6.1 million per year, making him the seventh-highest-paid coach in college football.

Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly is the head coach of the LSU Tigers football team. He has previously been the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Kelly’s current salary is $6 million per year, making him the eighth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Jimbo Fisher

Jimbo Fisher is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. He has previously been the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

Fisher’s current salary is $5.7 million per year, making him the ninth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Mario Cristobal

Mario Cristobal is the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes football team. He has previously been the head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team. Cristobal’s current salary is $5.6 million per year, making him the tenth-highest-paid coach in college football.

P.J. Fleck

P.J. Fleck is the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. He has previously been the head coach of the Western Michigan Broncos football team.

Fleck’s current salary is $5.4 million per year, making him the eleventh-highest-paid coach in college football.

Mike Gundy

Mike Gundy is the head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team. He has led the team to one Big 12 championship and one appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Gundy’s current salary is $5.2 million per year, making him the twelfth-highest-paid coach in college football.

Mark Stoops

Mark Stoops is the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats football team. He has led the team to four bowl games and one appearance in the SEC Championship Game.

Stoops’ current salary is $5 million per year, making him the thirteenth-highest-paid coach in college football.

In conclusion, college football coaches are some of the highest-paid professionals in the sports industry, with salaries ranging from $5 million to $9.3 million per year.

These coaches’ salaries reflect their success in leading their teams to national championships, conference titles, and bowl games.

College Football Coaching Salaries by Conference

When it comes to college football coaching salaries, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Salaries can vary greatly depending on the conference, the school, and the coach’s experience and success.

In this section, we will take a closer look at the salaries of college football coaches in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12 conferences.

SEC

The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and it shows in the salaries of its coaches.

According to a 2020 report by USA Today, the average salary for an SEC head coach was $4.95 million, with the highest-paid coach being Alabama’s Nick Saban at $9.3 million.

Other top earners in the SEC include LSU’s Ed Orgeron ($8.9 million) and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher ($7.5 million).

Coaches in the SEC have the potential to earn even more through bonuses for conference championships and bowl game appearances.

For example, the winning coach of the SEC Championship Game receives a bonus of $200,000, while coaches whose teams participate in the Peach Bowl or College Football Playoff can earn even larger bonuses.

Big Ten

The Big Ten is another highly competitive conference, and its coaches are well compensated for their success.

According to the same USA Today report, the average salary for a Big Ten head coach was $4.36 million, with the highest-paid coach being Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh at $8.05 million.

Other top earners in the Big Ten include Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($5.38 million) and Penn State’s James Franklin ($5.63 million).

Like the SEC, coaches in the Big Ten can earn bonuses for conference championships and bowl game appearances.

For example, the winning coach of the Big Ten Championship Game receives a bonus of $350,000, while coaches whose teams participate in the College Football Playoff can earn even larger bonuses.

ACC

The ACC may not be as competitive as the SEC or Big Ten, but its coaches still earn respectable salaries.

According to the same USA Today report, the average salary for an ACC head coach was $3.61 million, with the highest-paid coach being Clemson’s Dabo Swinney at $8.3 million. Other top earners in the ACC include Florida State’s Mike Norvell ($4.42 million) and Miami’s Manny Diaz ($3.89 million).

Coaches in the ACC can earn bonuses for conference championships and bowl game appearances, but the bonuses are generally smaller than those in the SEC and Big Ten.

Big 12

The Big 12 is a smaller conference than the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC, but its coaches still earn competitive salaries.

According to the same USA Today report, the average salary for a Big 12 head coach was $3.76 million, with the highest-paid coach being Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley at $7.5 million.

Other top earners in the Big 12 include Texas’ Steve Sarkisian ($5.2 million) and TCU’s Gary Patterson ($4.83 million).

Like the other conferences, coaches in the Big 12 can earn bonuses for conference championships and bowl game appearances.

Pac-12

The Pac-12 is another smaller conference, but its coaches still earn respectable salaries. According to the same USA Today report, the average salary for a Pac-12 head coach was $3.02 million, with the highest-paid coach being Washington’s Jimmy Lake at $3.4 million.

Other top earners in the Pac-12 include USC’s Clay Helton ($4.81 million) and Oregon’s Mario Cristobal ($4.31 million).

Coaches in the Pac-12 can also earn bonuses for conference championships and bowl game appearances, but the bonuses are generally smaller than those in the SEC and Big Ten.

Overall, college football coaching salaries can vary greatly depending on the conference, the school, and the coach’s experience and success.

While some coaches may earn millions of dollars per year, others may earn much less.

However, regardless of their salaries, all coaches are under pressure to perform and lead their teams to victory.

The History of College Football Coaching Salaries

The salaries of college football coaches have been steadily rising over the years. In the BCS Era and the College Football Playoff Era, the amount of money paid to coaches has increased dramatically.

BCS Era

During the BCS Era, which lasted from 1998 to 2013, coaching salaries increased significantly. In 1998, the highest-paid coach in college football made $1.5 million per year.

By 2013, that number had risen to $5.5 million per year. This increase was due in part to the success of the BCS National Championship, which generated significant revenue for universities and athletic programs.

Here are some notable coaching salaries during the BCS Era:

Coach	School	Salary
Nick Saban	LSU	$4 million
Mack Brown	Texas	$5.2 million
Urban Meyer	Florida	$4 million

College Football Playoff Era

The College Football Playoff Era began in 2014, and with it came even higher coaching salaries. In 2014, the highest-paid coach made $7 million per year.

By 2020, that number had risen to $9.3 million per year.

The College Football Playoff has generated even more revenue than the BCS National Championship, which has led to higher salaries for coaches.

Universities and athletic programs are willing to pay top dollar for coaches who can lead their teams to the playoffs and compete for a national championship.

Here are some notable coaching salaries during the College Football Playoff Era:

Coach	School	Salary
Nick Saban	Alabama	$11.1 million
Dabo Swinney	Clemson	$9.3 million
Jimbo Fisher	Texas A&M	$9 million

The salaries of college football coaches have increased significantly over the years.

The success of the BCS National Championship and the College Football Playoff has led to higher revenue for universities and athletic programs, which has allowed them to pay top dollar for coaches.

Factors Affecting College Football Coaching Salaries

A variety of factors determines the salaries of college football coaches.

In this section, we will discuss some of the most significant factors determining college football coaches’ compensation.

Public Employee Status

Most college football coaches are public employees, which means their salaries are public information.

This means that the salaries of these coaches are subject to public scrutiny and criticism.

As a result, universities have to be careful when setting the salaries of their football coaches, as they don’t want to attract negative attention.

Compensation for Assistants

College football coaches are not the only ones who make a significant amount of money. The salaries of assistant coaches have also been on the rise in recent years.

In some cases, assistant coaches’ salaries can be almost as high as head coaches. This is because assistant coaches play a crucial role in the success of a football program.

Schools with the Most Successful Football Programs

The success of a football program is a significant factor in determining the salary of a college football coach.

Coaches of successful programs, such as Clemson, Michigan, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama, are among the highest-paid public employees in their respective states.

These coaches are compensated at a level that is commensurate with the success of their football programs.

Media Coverage and Revenue

Media coverage and revenue are also significant factors in determining the salaries of college football coaches.

Successful football programs generate a significant amount of revenue for their universities, which can be used to pay the salaries of coaches.

Additionally, media coverage can increase the visibility of a football program, which can also lead to increased revenue.

When it comes to media coverage, some conferences receive more attention than others. For example, the SEC and the Big Ten conferences receive more media coverage than the ACC or the Pac-12.

Schools with the Most Successful Football Programs

The success of a football program is a significant factor in determining the salary of a college football coach.

Coaches of successful programs, such as Clemson, Michigan, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama, are among the highest-paid public employees in their respective states.

These coaches are compensated at a level commensurate with their football programs’ success.

Table: Top 10 Highest-Paid College Football Coaches

Coach	School	Salary
Nick Saban	Alabama	$9.3 million
Ed Orgeron	LSU	$8.9 million
Dabo Swinney	Clemson	$8.3 million
Jim Harbaugh	Michigan	$7.5 million
Kirby Smart	Georgia	$6.9 million
Jimbo Fisher	Texas A&M	$7.5 million
Dan Mullen	Florida	$6.1 million
Mario Cristobal	Oregon	$5.7 million
Lincoln Riley	Oklahoma	$5.2 million
Mel Tucker	Michigan State	$5.1 million

Source: USA Today