College football in the United States is not just a breeding ground for upcoming NFL talent; it’s an industry with significant financial muscle, especially when it comes to coaching staff. Behind every great college team, there’s usually a highly paid coach with the ability to inspire players, strategize victories, and often, to attract attention and funding. Salaries for top college coaches reflect their value to their institutions, with some earning millions annually. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest paid college football coaches, starting with number ten.
#10 James Franklin (Penn State)
Leading the Penn State Nittany Lions, James Franklin has made a name for himself as a coach who can rejuvenate a program and compete in the challenging Big Ten Conference. His annual salary is in the multi-million-dollar range, reflecting the high expectations and performance benchmarks set by the university. Franklin’s leadership and recruiting talent make him one of the best in the country, securing him a spot on our list.
#9 Ryan Day (Ohio State)
Taking over from Urban Meyer at Ohio State was no small task, but Ryan Day has managed to uphold the Buckeyes’ tradition of excellence. Not only does he ensure his team remains a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, but his compensation package also places him among the coaching elite. With bonuses and incentives included, Ryan Day’s paycheck is a testament to his success on the field and Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining its football dominance.
#8 Lincoln Riley (USC)
Lincoln Riley’s move to the University of Southern California sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. As one of the young coaching stars, Riley is expected to revitalize the Trojans’ storied program. USC has financially committed to Riley with a lucrative contract, banking on his offensive genius to elevate the team to their former glory and capture the competitive Pac-12.
#7 Dan Mullen (Formerly Florida)
Before parting ways with the University of Florida, Dan Mullen commanded a significant salary that ranked him among the highest paid coaches in college football. Although no longer with the Gators, his previous contract pays homage to his offensive expertise and the prestige he brought to Florida’s program during his tenure. Mullen’s compensation underlines the high stakes and rewards in college football coaching.
#6 Kirby Smart (Georgia)
Kirby Smart is the mastermind behind the University of Georgia Bulldogs’ resurgence as a national powerhouse. His coaching wizardry not only earned him a national championship but also a hefty paycheck to match. Under his guidance, the Bulldogs have become a formidable presence in the SEC, and his salary reflects Georgia’s commitment to keeping their winning coach for the long haul.
#5 Jimbo Fisher (Texas A&M)
Texas A&M Aggies lured Jimbo Fisher away from Florida State with a groundbreaking 10-year, $75 million contract in 2017. As the leader of the Aggies’ football program, Fisher’s compensation package is in line with the school’s colossal expectations. With state-of-the-art facilities and a fervent fan base, Fisher is expected to guide A&M to the top of the SEC and college football echelon.
#4 Dabo Swinney (Clemson)
Dabo Swinney has turned the Clemson Tigers into a national phenomenon. His skilled coaching has led Clemson to multiple national championships, with his salary soaring with each successful season. His charismatic leadership and consistent recruitment of top-tier talent make him one of the most well-compensated and respected coaches in the game.
#3 Brian Kelly (LSU)
Brian Kelly’s departure from Notre Dame to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers was one of the blockbuster moves of the year, and his compensation package at LSU is nothing short of remarkable. Tasked with steering another storied program back to the forefront of college football, Kelly’s contract shows the investment and trust LSU has placed in his championship-winning pedigree.
#2 Nick Saban (Alabama)
Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, has set the standard for success in college football. His teams consistently compete for national titles, and his coaching acumen is widely regarded as the best in the business. Accordingly, Saban’s salary is near the very top, serving as a benchmark for other coaches. The multiple national championships under his belt justify every penny of his paycheck.
#1 David Shaw (Stanford)
David Shaw of Stanford may come as a surprise as the number one highest paid college football coach, but his salary reflects the value Stanford sees in his intellectual approach to the game, his consistent leadership, and the high academic standards that his players must maintain. Although the Cardinal is not always in the national title conversation, Shaw’s compensation is a reminder that excellence in academics and athletics, combined with longevity and stability, is highly prized in the college ranks.
These ten coaches are at the top of the game, not only in terms of their on-field success but also in their financial remuneration. Their astronomical salaries are an indication of just how serious college football is taken in the United States. These coaches receive compensation that rivals and sometimes surpasses that of professional league coaches, underscoring the lucrative aspect of collegiate sports. From strategizing plays to molding young athletes into stars, their roles are far-reaching—meriting the hefty rewards they earn for their tireless work on and off the field.