As the excitement builds for the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals, fans are gearing up for a showdown featuring some of the highest-paid head coaches in the sport. The chase for the national championship has narrowed down to just four elite programs: No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Penn State, No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 8 Ohio State. The Longhorns will face off against the Buckeyes, while the Nittany Lions will take on the Fighting Irish in what promises to be thrilling matchups.
High Stakes and High Salaries
In the Texas-Ohio State matchup, two coaching titans will go head-to-head. Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Ryan Day of Ohio State are not just leading their teams; they are also among the top earners in college football. Each coach has a salary exceeding $10 million for this season, and both have their eyes set on the ultimate prize: a national championship.
But let’s not overlook the other contenders. The Nittany Lions’ James Franklin and the Fighting Irish’s Marcus Freeman may not be in the top tier of salaries, but they are no slouches either. Franklin is earning $8.5 million this season, while Freeman is bringing in just over $6.6 million. Their teams are also looking to make a statement in the semifinals.
Meet the Highest-Paid Coaches
Curious about who tops the list of college football’s highest-paid coaches? Here’s a rundown of the elite figures in the game, according to USA Today’s salary database:
No. 1: Kirby Smart, Georgia
Leading the pack is Kirby Smart of Georgia, raking in an impressive $13.28 million. Smart’s success in transforming the Bulldogs into a powerhouse, culminating in back-to-back national championships, has earned him this hefty paycheck. His recent 10-year, $130 million extension ensures he stays in Athens for the long haul.
No. 2: Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Coming in at No. 2 is Dabo Swinney of Clemson, who makes over $11 million annually. Swinney has a remarkable track record, boasting two national championships and nine conference titles. His 10-year, $115 million contract extension, signed in 2022, keeps him at the helm of the Tigers through the 2031 season.
No. 3: Steve Sarkisian, Texas
Steve Sarkisian ranks third with a salary of $10.6 million per year. This is a significant increase from the $5.8 million he was earning under his previous contract. Sarkisian’s new deal, which extends through 2030, includes annual raises of $100,000, reflecting the trust Texas has in his leadership.
No. 4: Lincoln Riley, USC
At No. 4 is Lincoln Riley of USC, who earns over $10 million a season. Although the specifics of his contract remain somewhat murky due to the private nature of the university, reports suggest he signed a 10-year deal worth $110 million in 2021.
No. 5: Ryan Day, Ohio State
Rounding out the top five, Ryan Day is set to earn $10.021 million in 2024. His contract with Ohio State runs through 2028, following a two-year extension signed in 2022. Day’s ability to keep the Buckeyes competitive in the national landscape is reflected in his salary.
Other Notable Coaches in the Mix
While the top five coaches command impressive salaries, several others are making their mark in college football:
T-No. 6: Mike Norvell, Florida State
Mike Norvell remains at Florida State despite a challenging 2024 season, earning $10 million in the first year of his eight-year contract extension. His leadership will be crucial as the Seminoles aim to bounce back.
T-No. 6: Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
After the retirement of Nick Saban, Kalen DeBoer took the reins at Alabama with an eight-year deal starting at $10 million per season. His contract is structured to increase, potentially reaching $11.75 million in its final year, showcasing the university’s commitment to maintaining a winning tradition.
T-No. 6: Bill Belichick, UNC
In a surprising twist, former NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick has made his way to college football. The eight-time Super Bowl champion signed a five-year deal worth $10 million per season with UNC, although only three years are guaranteed. Fans are eager to see how his NFL experience translates to the college game.
No. 9: Brian Kelly, LSU
With a salary just under $10 million, Brian Kelly of LSU is another notable name. Kelly’s journey from Notre Dame to LSU was a significant move, and his 10-year contract keeps him in Baton Rouge through 2031.
No. 10: Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Finally, Mark Stoops rounds out the top ten with a salary of $9.013 million for the 2024 season. His contract extension in 2022 solidified his position at Kentucky, where he continues to build a competitive program.
As the semifinals approach, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With so much talent on the field and such impressive coaching salaries at play, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Who will emerge victorious and take a step closer to claiming the national championship? Only time will tell!
