Want to know just how much money the highest-paid college football coaches make?
The highest-paid college football coaches have annual salaries that’ll make anyone’s head spin,
but that’s why they’re put in charge of numerous young men and tasked with shepherding powerhouse programs to perpetual prominence.
While some coaches on this list at the nation’s premier football schools probably aren’t going to surprise,
the order may well be a shock to many.
One thing to keep in mind, being among the highest-paid college football coaches doesn’t guarantee job security.
From our list in 2021, three prominent names were fired.
Without further ado, here are the highest-paid college football coaches by annual salary as of the most recent season.
This group is compiled from USA Today‘s list, but takes into account coaching changes, compensation information, or lack thereof, and the latest available information.
Just missed: Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern – $5.748 million Chip Kelly, UCLA Bruins – $5.6 million Steve Sarkisian, Texas – $5.45 million
Highest-paid coaches fired in 2021: Gary Patterson, TCU – $6.1 million salary Dan Mullen, Florida – $7.57 million salary Ed Orgeron, LSU – $9.01 million salary
One thing to keep in mind, the salaries of the highest paid coaches in college football aren’t slowing down.
Even before it landed USC and UCLA, the Big Ten wanted huge money for the TV rights to its games.
When college football realignment leads to super conferences, even more coaches will make $10-plus million each year.
Let’s dive into the highest paid college football coaches in 2022.
13. James Franklin salary: $7 million (Penn State) 12. Jim Harbaugh salary: $7.05 million (Michigan)
11. Lane Kiffin salary: $7.25 million (Ole Miss) 10. Jimbo Fisher salary: $7.5 million (Texas A&M)
9. Mario Cristobal salary: $8 million (Miami) 8. David Shaw salary: $8.925 million
7. Ryan Day salary: $9.5 million (Ohio State) 6. Mel Tucker salary: $9.5 million (MIchigan State)
5. Brian Kelly salary: $9.5 million (LSU) 4. Lincoln Riley salary (estimated): $10-plus million (USC)
3. Kirby Smart salary: $11.25 million (Georgia) 2. Dabo Swinney salary: $11.5 million (Clemson)
1. Nick Saban salary: $11.7 million (Alabama)