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Picture Credit: X

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why should I care about how much these coaches are raking in?" Well, my friend, let me tell you. When it comes to placing your bets on college football, knowing which coaches are worth their weight in gold can give you a serious leg up on the competition. These top-dollar coaches aren't just in it for the money – they're in it to win it. They've got the experience, the expertise, and the fire in their bellies to lead their teams to victory, no matter the odds. And when you're trying to predict the college football betting lines, platforms like BetUS provide the insights and odds that can help turn insider knowledge into a big payday instead of a big bust.

Highest Paid College Football Coaches

When it comes to the highest-paid college football coaches, the numbers are staggering. But then again, it’s college football we’re talking about here. Just by taking a quick look each Saturday of every NCAAF season, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that there’s quite a pretty penny or two being dealt around to keep the action and excitement going without a hitch.

Here are the coaches who are banking the biggest salaries in the 2024 season:

Who's the Highest-Paid College Football Coach Right Now?

As of 2024, the title of the highest-paid college football coach belongs to Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs. Smart's salary has skyrocketed to a record-setting $13 million per year thanks to his impressive track record, including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. This hefty paycheck reflects not only his coaching prowess but also the immense pressure and expectations that come with leading a top-tier program like Georgia.

Dabo Swinney of Clemson Tigers follows closely behind, earning $11.5 million annually. Swinney’s success with the Tigers, including multiple national championships and consistent top-25 finishes, justifies his substantial salary. These figures highlight the competitive nature of college football, where top programs spare no expense to secure the best coaching talent.

Who is the Highest-Paid College Football Player?

While coaches rake in millions, college football players are now also cashing in, thanks to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. As of 2024, Quinn Ewers, the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, is the highest-paid college football player with a valuation of $1.9 million. Ewers' marketability and on-field performance have made him a hot commodity, attracting lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.

Close behind Ewers are Jalen Milroe of Alabama and Carson Beck of Georgia, both valued at $1.6 million. These players not only excel on the field but also leverage their popularity to secure significant NIL deals, reflecting the changing landscape of college athletics where players can finally monetize their fame.

 

Which College Football Coach Has the Highest Net Worth?

When it comes to net worth, Nick Saban, the recently retired head coach of Alabama, stands tall above. Saban's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million, accumulated over a storied career that includes seven national championships and numerous accolades. His tenure at Alabama transformed the program into a perennial powerhouse, and his financial success mirrors his on-field achievements.

Swinney also boasts a significant net worth, estimated at $30 million. His success at Clemson, coupled with a lucrative contract, has solidified his financial standing. These figures underscore the financial rewards that come with being among the winningest college football coaches.

Who is the Lowest-Paid NFL Coach?

Switching gears to the NFL, the lowest-paid head coach as of 2023 is Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns, earning $3.5 million annually. While this might seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the top earners in both the NFL and college football. Stefanski's salary reflects the Browns' cautious approach, given the team's historical struggles and the high turnover rate among its coaching staff.

Other lower-paid NFL coaches include Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys and Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals, earning $4 million and $4.5 million, respectively. These salaries highlight the vast disparity within the coaching ranks, where performance and market size significantly influence earnings.

Who Has the Biggest Budget in College Football?

Speaking of athletic budgets, Ohio State University leads the pack with a staggering $1.04 billion spent over the last five years. This massive budget underscores the importance of football to the university's overall financial health and its commitment to maintaining a top-tier program.

The Buckeyes' investment in facilities, coaching, and recruiting has paid off, making them a perennial contender in college football.

Other schools with substantial budgets include the University of Texas and the University of Michigan, with $970 million and $898 million, respectively. These figures highlight the financial muscle of the top programs, where winning on the field translates to significant revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights.

Football At All Levels Is Big Business

In the high-stakes world of college football, the highest-paid coaches command salaries that reflect their importance to their programs. From Smart's record-setting $13 million to the lucrative NIL deals for top players like Ewers, the financial landscape of college football is more competitive than ever. As fans, we marvel at the dedication and skill of these coaches and players, whose efforts on the field are matched by their financial rewards.

 

  • Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs: $13 million

  • Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers: $11.5 million

  • Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans: $11 million

  • Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers: $9.5 million

  • Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes: $9.5 million

  • Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss: $9 million

  • Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers: $9 million

  • Matt Rhule, Nebraska Cornhuskers: $6.78 million