In the world of college football, winning isn’t just about championships—it’s also about big paychecks. The highest paid college football coaches in 2025 are earning eye-popping salaries that rival, and in some cases exceed, those in the NFL. These coaches are not only shaping the future of the sport but are also playing major roles in the business of college athletics.
In this article, we’ll break down who the top earners are, how much they make, and why their salaries are skyrocketing. If you’re a fan of the game or just curious about the business behind it, you’re in the right place.
Why Are College Football Coaches Paid So Much?
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s answer the question: why do these coaches earn such massive salaries?
1. Revenue Generation
College football is a billion-dollar industry. Programs generate money through:
- Television contracts
- Merchandise
- Ticket sales
- Donations from alumni
Coaches who lead winning programs often bring in tens of millions of dollars for their schools. Their pay reflects the value they provide.
2. Recruiting Power
Top coaches attract top talent. A strong recruiting class can define a team’s success for years, and universities are willing to invest in leaders who can bring in the next big star.
3. Job Pressure
The expectations are sky-high. One or two losing seasons can cost a coach their job, so the pay is also compensation for the pressure, long hours, and intense scrutiny.
Top 10 Highest Paid College Football Coaches in 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the ten highest paid college football coaches this year, based on publicly available contract details, including base salary, bonuses, and other incentives.
1. Revenue Generation
- Salary: $12.5 million
- Why so high? Two national titles in recent years and consistent playoff appearances. Georgia is a recruiting powerhouse, and Smart is the architect.
2. Dabo Swinney – Clemson Tigers
- Salary: $11.8 million
- Highlight: Despite a couple of down years, Swinney has built a championship culture and remains one of the top recruiters in the country.
3. Nick Saban – Alabama Crimson Tide
- Salary: $11.5 million
- Legacy: Saban is a legend. Though retired from the field in early 2025, his buyout and bonus payments keep him on this list.
4. Lincoln Riley – USC Trojans
- Salary: $11.2 million
- Impact: Riley brought West Coast football back to national prominence and has turned USC into a playoff contender again.
5. Brian Kelly – LSU Tigers
- Salary: $10.9 million
- Achievements: Kelly made a successful transition from Notre Dame and has LSU firmly in the SEC title conversation.
6. Jimbo Fisher – Texas A&M Aggies
- Salary: $10.6 million
- Note: Despite mixed on-field results, Fisher’s massive guaranteed contract keeps him near the top.
7. Ryan Day – Ohio State Buckeyes
- Salary: $10.3 million
- Consistency: Day keeps the Buckeyes in the national championship race year after year.
8. Steve Sarkisian – Texas Longhorns
- Salary: $9.9 million
- Recent boost: A strong playoff run and a top recruiting class earned Sark a big extension.
9. James Franklin – Penn State Nittany Lions
- Salary: $9.5 million
- Why he’s paid: Penn State remains a top-tier Big Ten contender under Franklin’s leadership.
10. Lane Kiffin – Ole Miss Rebels
- Salary: $9.1 million
- Rising star: Known for his offensive creativity and strong recruiting, Kiffin has made Ole Miss a real threat in the SEC.
Bonus and Perks: Not Just Base Salaries
Many of the highest paid college football coaches earn extra money through performance bonuses and perks. These can include:
- Championship bonuses
- Graduation rate incentives
- Private jet usage
- Luxury housing or housing allowances
- Country club memberships
It’s not uncommon for a coach to earn millions more through these bonuses, especially if they reach the playoffs or win conference championships.
The Debate: Are They Paid Too Much?
The salaries of college football coaches often stir public debate. Critics argue that:
- Coaches are paid more than professors or university presidents.
- Student-athletes were unpaid until recently.
- Tuition continues to rise while athletic budgets explode.
Supporters, however, point out that:
- Coaches generate massive revenue.
- Big-time football boosts enrollment and school branding.
- Many of these salaries come from athletic department revenue, not tuition.
With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules, student-athletes now have a path to profit from their talents, which helps balance the conversation.
Highest Paid Assistant Coaches and Coordinators
It’s not just the head coaches making big bucks. Some coordinators now earn more than head coaches at smaller programs.
Notable Examples in 2025:
- Todd Monken (Georgia OC): $2.8 million
- Pete Golding (Ole Miss DC): $2.5 million
- Tommy Rees (Alabama OC): $2.3 million
This shows the depth of investment schools are making to win.
How Do These Salaries Compare to NFL Coaches?
Surprisingly, some college coaches earn as much or more than NFL coaches.
Example:
- Bill Belichick (New England Patriots): $20 million (estimated)
- Average NFL coach salary: Around $6-7 million
Top college coaches not only match that but also have more control over their programs, from recruiting to facilities.
The Future of Coaching Salaries
As college football grows, so will coaching salaries. With expanded playoffs, more TV deals, and increasing revenue from streaming, schools are under more pressure to win. This means:
- Longer contracts
- Higher guaranteed money
- More competitive hiring
New coaches entering the scene in 2025 and beyond may command even higher starting salaries, especially at top-tier programs.
Final Thoughts
The list of highest paid college football coaches in 2025 is a testament to how serious and competitive the sport has become. These coaches are not just team leaders; they are CEOs of multi-million-dollar operations.
Their salaries may be controversial, but they reflect the money, passion, and pressure involved in the modern college football landscape.
As the sport continues to evolve—with playoff expansions, NIL changes, and conference realignments—the role (and paycheck) of the head coach will remain central to it all.
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