Jimmy Boyd in 
I went looking for what every FBS head coach makes for the 2026 season. 107 of the 136 have a figure I can stand behind: USA TODAY’s contract database for the public schools, and the contracts and tax filings that have surfaced since for the new hires and the handful of private schools that let a number out. The rest sit at the bottom of the table without one, because a private school doesn’t have to tell anyone.
Curt Cignetti at Indiana leads the sport at $13.2M a year. 15 coaches make at least $10 million, 46 make $5 million or more, and the average across the coaches with a public number is $4.65M. The median is $3.86M, which tells you how top-heavy the business is: a few programs pay like NFL teams and the rest pay like college programs.
The books have Georgia and Notre Dame tied at the top of the national title board at +475, and their coaches make $13M and $7.42M, so the price has less to do with the paycheck than you’d think. Curt Cignetti has the biggest contract in the sport, $13.2M, and the books have Indiana at +850. Steve Sarkisian is paid the least of any coach with a real chance, $11.05M, with Texas at +1,500. Dabo Swinney sits in the other corner of the chart: $11.5M a year, and Clemson at +200,000. Flip the chart below to pay vs. national title odds and you can see where every program sits.
The highest paid college football head coaches in 2026
- 1Curt CignettiIndiana, Big Ten
- 2Kirby SmartGeorgia, SEC
- 3Lane KiffinLSU, SEC
- 4Kalen DeBoerAlabama, SEC
- 5Ryan DayOhio State, Big Ten
- 6Lincoln RileyUSC, Big Ten
- 7Dabo SwinneyClemson, ACC
- 8Steve SarkisianTexas, SEC
- 9Dan LanningOregon, Big Ten
- 10Mike ElkoTexas A&M, SEC
- 11Brent VenablesOklahoma, SEC
- 12Mike NorvellFlorida State, ACC
- 13Eliah DrinkwitzMissouri, SEC
- 14Deion SandersColorado, Big 12
- 15Bill BelichickNorth Carolina, ACC
- 16Matt CampbellPenn State, Big Ten
- 17Josh HeupelTennessee, SEC
- 18Matt RhuleNebraska, Big Ten
- 19Bret BielemaIllinois, Big Ten
- 20Mario CristobalMiami (FL), ACC
- 21Shane BeamerSouth Carolina, SEC
- 22Kyle WhittinghamMichigan, Big Ten
- 23Luke FickellWisconsin, Big Ten
- 24Jedd FischWashington, Big Ten
- 25Kenny DillinghamArizona State, Big 12
- 1SEC15 of 16 coaches public
- 2Big Ten17 of 18 coaches public
- 3ACC12 of 17 coaches public
- 4Big 1215 of 16 coaches public
- 5Pac-125 of 8 coaches public
- 6American5 of 14 coaches public
- 7Mountain West8 of 9 coaches public
- 8Conference USA9 of 11 coaches public
- 9Sun Belt10 of 13 coaches public
- 10MAC10 of 12 coaches public
Average of the coaches whose pay is public; a conference with several private schools runs higher than its average here.
Each dot is a head coach whose pay is public, placed by what he makes and the books’ implied chance his team wins the national title (best price on our odds board, 2026-10-26). Tap a dot for the figures. 59 of 107 coaches with public pay are on the board.
Every FBS head coach ranked by salary
Total pay for the 2026 season from the school and its foundations, bonuses not included, unless the row says otherwise; a head coach with no public figure is at the bottom. Buyout: what the school would owe to fire the coach without cause as of December 1, 2025. Tap a heading to sort.
| # | Coach | School | Conf. | Pay a year | Buyout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curt CignettiEight years, $105.6M through 2033 | Indiana | Big Ten | $13,200,000 | $56.7M |
| 2 | Kirby Smart10 years, $130M through 2033 | Georgia | SEC | $13,000,000 | $105.11M |
| 2 | Lane Kiffinseven years, $91M, signed Nov. 2025 | LSU | SEC | $13,000,000 | – |
| 4 | Kalen DeBoerSeven-year extension through Jan. 2033 | Alabama | SEC | $12,500,000 | $60.84M |
| 4 | Ryan DaySeven years, $87.5M through 2031 | Ohio State | Big Ten | $12,500,000 | $70.92M |
| 6 | Lincoln Rileyprivate school; latest tax filing | USC | Big Ten | $11,800,000 | – |
| 7 | Dabo Swinney10 years, $115M through 2031 | Clemson | ACC | $11,500,000 | $60M |
| 8 | Steve Sarkisianrises $250K a year to $12.3M in 2031 | Texas | SEC | $11,050,000 | $60.31M |
| 9 | Dan Lanningfully guaranteed through 2030 | Oregon | Big Ten | $11,000,000 | $56.73M |
| 10 | Mike Elkosix years, $69M through 2031 | Texas A&M | SEC | $10,750,000 | $21.88M |
| 11 | Brent Venablessix years, $63M through Jan. 2032, signed Aug. 2026 | Oklahoma | SEC | $10,500,000 | $36.16M |
| 12 | Mike Norvell | Florida State | ACC | $10,300,000 | $58.67M |
| 13 | Eliah Drinkwitz | Missouri | SEC | $10,250,000 | $28.88M |
| 14 | Deion Sanders | Colorado | Big 12 | $10,000,000 | $33.63M |
| 14 | Bill Belichick | North Carolina | ACC | $10,000,000 | $20.83M |
| 16 | Matt Campbell | Penn State | Big Ten | $9,000,000 | – |
| 16 | Josh Heupel | Tennessee | SEC | $9,000,000 | $37.5M |
| 18 | Matt Rhule | Nebraska | Big Ten | $8,500,000 | $49.61M |
| 19 | Bret Bielema | Illinois | Big Ten | $8,400,000 | $49.49M |
| 20 | Mario Cristobalprivate school; latest tax filing | Miami (FL) | ACC | $8,300,000 | – |
| 21 | Shane Beamer | South Carolina | SEC | $8,250,000 | $27.9M |
| 22 | Kyle Whittingham | Michigan | Big Ten | $8,000,000 | – |
| 23 | Luke Fickell | Wisconsin | Big Ten | $7,800,000 | $27.49M |
| 24 | Jedd Fisch | Washington | Big Ten | $7,600,000 | $33.69M |
| 25 | Kenny Dillinghamaverage of the deal | Arizona State | Big 12 | $7,500,000 | $24.68M |
| 26 | Jon Sumrall | Florida | SEC | $7,450,000 | – |
| 27 | Marcus Freemanprivate school; from the latest tax filing, since reported above $10M; 2025 figure | Notre Dame | Independent | $7,421,201 | – |
| 28 | Pat Narduzzilatest public figure; extension terms not disclosed | Pittsburgh | ACC | $7,260,000 | – |
| 29 | Kirk Ferentz | Iowa | Big Ten | $7,000,000 | $25.73M |
| 29 | P.J. Fleck | Minnesota | Big Ten | $7,000,000 | $26.6M |
| 31 | Lance Leipold | Kansas | Big 12 | $6,800,000 | $22.93M |
| 32 | Alex Golesh | Auburn | SEC | $6,750,000 | – |
| 32 | Bob Chesneyaverage of the deal | UCLA | Big Ten | $6,750,000 | – |
| 34 | Ryan Silverfield | Arkansas | SEC | $6,700,000 | – |
| 35 | Greg Schiano | Rutgers | Big Ten | $6,500,000 | $23.74M |
| 35 | Joey McGuire | Texas Tech | Big 12 | $6,500,000 | $9.94M |
| 37 | Mike Locksleyfired Oct. 22, 2026; the staff finishes the season | Maryland | Big Ten | $6,400,000 | $13.4M |
| 38 | Jeff Brohmbase pay | Louisville | ACC | $6,300,000 | $33.63M |
| 39 | Dave Doeren | North Carolina State | ACC | $6,220,000 | $13.13M |
| 40 | Barry Odom | Purdue | Big Ten | $6,050,000 | $25.13M |
| 41 | James Franklin | Virginia Tech | ACC | $6,000,000 | – |
| 42 | Jamey Chadwell | Liberty | Conference USA | $5,900,000 | – |
| 43 | Will Stein | Kentucky | SEC | $5,500,000 | – |
| 44 | Morgan Scalley | Utah | Big 12 | $5,100,000 | – |
| 45 | Pat Fitzgerald | Michigan State | Big Ten | $5,000,000 | – |
| 45 | Sonny Dykes | TCU | Big 12 | $5,000,000 | – |
| 47 | Jake Dickert | Wake Forest | ACC | $4,800,000 | – |
| 48 | Dave Aranda | Baylor | Big 12 | $4,540,000 | – |
| 49 | Brent Key | Georgia Tech | ACC | $4,500,000 | $11.12M |
| 49 | Willie Fritz | Houston | Big 12 | $4,500,000 | $10.38M |
| 49 | Jeff Lebby | Mississippi State | SEC | $4,500,000 | $11.01M |
| 52 | Tony Elliott | Virginia | ACC | $4,410,000 | $11.18M |
| 53 | Collin Klein | Kansas State | Big 12 | $4,100,000 | – |
| 54 | Scott Frost2025 figure | UCF | Big 12 | $3,858,333 | $13.79M |
| 55 | Eric Morris | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | $3,800,000 | – |
| 56 | Clark Lea | Vanderbilt | SEC | $3,710,000 | – |
| 57 | Scott Satterfield | Cincinnati | Big 12 | $3,600,000 | $12.01M |
| 57 | Rich Rodriguez2025 figure | West Virginia | Big 12 | $3,600,000 | $7.65M |
| 59 | Dan Mullen | UNLV | Mountain West | $3,500,000 | $11.43M |
| 60 | Brent Brennan | Arizona | Big 12 | $3,100,000 | $10.65M |
| 61 | Jimmy Rogerssix years through Jan. 2032 | Iowa State | Big 12 | $3,000,000 | – |
| 62 | Jeff Traylorlatest public figure | UTSA | American | $2,500,000 | $11.16M |
| 63 | Rhett Lashleeprivate school; last tax filing | SMU | ACC | $2,470,000 | – |
| 64 | Jeff Monkenlatest public figure | Army West Point | American | $2,400,000 | $7.7M |
| 65 | Spencer Danielson | Boise State | Pac-12 | $2,000,000 | $6.65M |
| 65 | Bronco Mendenhall2025 figure | Utah State | Pac-12 | $2,000,000 | $11.27M |
| 67 | Sean Lewis2025 figure | San Diego State | Pac-12 | $1,853,100 | $4.85M |
| 68 | Troy Calhoun2025 figure | Air Force | Mountain West | $1,550,000 | – |
| 68 | G.J. Kinne2025 figure | Texas State | Pac-12 | $1,550,000 | $9.55M |
| 70 | Ken Niumatalolo2025 figure | San Jose State | Mountain West | $1,500,000 | $4.01M |
| 71 | Joe Harasymiak2025 figure | Massachusetts | MAC | $1,360,000 | $5.2M |
| 72 | Blake Harrell2025 figure | East Carolina | American | $1,300,000 | $2.25M |
| 73 | Jason Eck2025 figure | New Mexico | Mountain West | $1,150,000 | $5.2M |
| 74 | Chuck Martin2025 figure | Miami (OH) | MAC | $1,111,000 | $2.25M |
| 75 | Matt Entz2025 figure | Fresno State | Pac-12 | $1,100,000 | $4.8M |
| 75 | Jeff Choate2025 figure | Nevada | Mountain West | $1,100,000 | $2.7M |
| 75 | Jay Sawvel2025 figure | Wyoming | Mountain West | $1,100,000 | $3.69M |
| 78 | Zach Kittley2025 figure | Florida Atlantic | American | $1,050,000 | $5.08M |
| 79 | Dowell Loggains2025 figure | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | $1,000,000 | $2.45M |
| 79 | Charles Kelly2025 figure | Jacksonville State | Conference USA | $1,000,000 | $3.47M |
| 79 | Sonny Cumbie2025 figure | Louisiana Tech | Conference USA | $1,000,000 | $875K |
| 79 | Tony Gibson2025 figure | Marshall | Sun Belt | $1,000,000 | $4.17M |
| 79 | Derek Mason2025 figure | Middle Tennessee | Conference USA | $1,000,000 | $3.08M |
| 84 | Michael Desormeaux2025 figure | Louisiana | Sun Belt | $986,400 | $1.85M |
| 85 | Tyson Helton2025 figure | Western Kentucky | Conference USA | $945,732 | $2.92M |
| 86 | Tim Albin2025 figure | Charlotte | American | $900,000 | $2.04M |
| 86 | Clay Helton2025 figure | Georgia Southern | Sun Belt | $900,000 | $3.16M |
| 86 | Gerad Parker2025 figure | Troy | Sun Belt | $900,000 | $2.02M |
| 89 | Major Applewhite2025 figure | South Alabama | Sun Belt | $857,000 | $1.84M |
| 90 | Ricky Rahne2025 figure | Old Dominion | Sun Belt | $854,887 | $688K |
| 91 | Dell McGee2025 figure | Georgia State | Sun Belt | $853,000 | $1.66M |
| 92 | Lance Taylor2025 figure | Western Michigan | MAC | $850,000 | $2.36M |
| 93 | Butch Jones2025 figure | Arkansas State | Sun Belt | $835,000 | $2.25M |
| 94 | Scotty Walden2025 figure | UTEP | Mountain West | $801,000 | $1.54M |
| 95 | Pete Lembo2025 figure | Buffalo | MAC | $790,500 | $2.21M |
| 96 | Timmy Chang2025 figure | Hawaii | Mountain West | $755,006 | $58K |
| 97 | Willie Simmons2025 figure | FIU | Conference USA | $750,000 | – |
| 97 | Jerry Mack2025 figure | Kennesaw State | Conference USA | $750,000 | $1.8M |
| 99 | Phil Longo2025 figure | Sam Houston | Conference USA | $725,000 | $2.87M |
| 99 | Bryant Vincent2025 figure | ULM | Sun Belt | $725,000 | $1.2M |
| 101 | Mike Uremovich2025 figure | Ball State | MAC | $700,000 | $1.2M |
| 101 | Eddie George2025 figure | Bowling Green | MAC | $700,000 | $1.68M |
| 103 | Chris Creighton2025 figure | Eastern Michigan | MAC | $672,500 | $1.5M |
| 104 | Tony Sanchez2025 figure | New Mexico State | Conference USA | $625,000 | $2.08M |
| 105 | Matt Drinkall2025 figure | Central Michigan | MAC | $622,450 | $2M |
| 106 | Joe Moorhead2025 figure | Akron | MAC | $620,000 | $664K |
| 107 | Mark Carney2025 figure | Kent State | MAC | $300,000 | – |
| Bill O’Brienprivate school; pay not public | Boston College | ACC | Not public | – | |
| Kalani Sitakeprivate school; not disclosed, reported near $9M | BYU | Big 12 | Not public | – | |
| Tosh Lupoifirst season; contract not public yet | California | ACC | Not public | – | |
| Ryan Beardfirst season; contract not public yet | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | Not public | – | |
| Jim Morafirst season; contract not public yet | Colorado State | Pac-12 | Not public | – | |
| Jason Candlefirst season; contract not public yet | Connecticut | Independent | Not public | – | |
| Ryan Cartyprivate school; pay not public | Delaware | Conference USA | Not public | – | |
| Manny Diazprivate school; pay not public | Duke | ACC | Not public | – | |
| Billy Napierfirst season; contract not public yet | James Madison | Sun Belt | Not public | – | |
| Charles Hufffirst season; contract not public yet | Memphis | American | Not public | – | |
| Casey Woodsfirst season; contract not public yet | Missouri State | Conference USA | Not public | – | |
| Brian Newberryprivate school; pay not public | Navy | American | Not public | – | |
| Neal Brownfirst season; contract not public yet | North Texas | American | Not public | – | |
| Rob Harleyinterim | Northern Illinois | Mountain West | Not public | – | |
| David Braunprivate school; pay not public | Northwestern | Big Ten | Not public | – | |
| John Hauserfirst season; contract not public yet | Ohio | MAC | Not public | – | |
| Pete Goldingfirst season; contract not public yet | Ole Miss | SEC | Not public | – | |
| JaMarcus Shephardfirst season; contract not public yet | Oregon State | Pac-12 | Not public | – | |
| Scott Abellprivate school; pay not public | Rice | American | Not public | – | |
| Brian Hartlinefirst season; contract not public yet | South Florida | American | Not public | – | |
| Blake Andersonfirst season; contract not public yet | Southern Miss | Sun Belt | Not public | – | |
| Tavita Pritchardprivate school; pay not public | Stanford | ACC | Not public | – | |
| Fran Brownprivate school; pay not public | Syracuse | ACC | Not public | – | |
| K.C. Keelerprivate school; pay not public | Temple | American | Not public | – | |
| Mike Jacobsfirst season; contract not public yet | Toledo | MAC | Not public | – | |
| Will Hallfirst season; contract not public yet | Tulane | American | Not public | – | |
| Tre Lambprivate school; pay not public | Tulsa | American | Not public | – | |
| Alex Mortensenfirst season; contract not public yet | UAB | American | Not public | – | |
| Kirby Moorefirst season; contract not public yet | Washington State | Pac-12 | Not public | – |
Average head coach pay by conference
Average of the coaches with a public figure. A conference whose private schools keep quiet runs higher than this.
| Conference | Average pay | Coaches public | Best paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC | $8,860,667 | 15 of 16 | Kirby Smart, Georgia ($13M) |
| Big Ten | $8,382,353 | 17 of 18 | Curt Cignetti, Indiana ($13.2M) |
| ACC | $6,838,333 | 12 of 17 | Dabo Swinney, Clemson ($11.5M) |
| Big 12 | $4,999,889 | 15 of 16 | Deion Sanders, Colorado ($10M) |
| Pac-12 | $1,700,620 | 5 of 8 | Spencer Danielson, Boise State ($2M) |
| American | $1,630,000 | 5 of 14 | Jeff Traylor, UTSA ($2.5M) |
| Mountain West | $1,432,001 | 8 of 9 | Dan Mullen, UNLV ($3.5M) |
| Conference USA | $1,410,637 | 9 of 11 | Jamey Chadwell, Liberty ($5.9M) |
| Sun Belt | $891,129 | 10 of 13 | Dowell Loggains, Appalachian State ($1M) |
| MAC | $772,645 | 10 of 12 | Joe Harasymiak, Massachusetts ($1.36M) |
Where the numbers come from
A public university has to hand over its coach’s contract when a newspaper asks, and USA TODAY asks every one of them every year, so the public-school figures here are the real ones: what the school and its affiliated foundations pay for the contract season, with bonuses listed separately. The database covers the 2025 contract season; where a coach has signed something newer, or took a new job since, I’ve used the terms the school or the reporters released and marked the row.
A private school’s number only shows up on its tax return, two years late, or when a reporter gets the terms. Where I have one of those the row says so; where I don’t, the row says the pay isn’t public, and that coach is left out of the averages. A first-year coach whose contract hasn’t been released yet is listed the same way until it is.
Sources: USA TODAY Sports college football head coach salaries (2025 contract season); Legion Report, College Football Coaching Salaries 2026; CollegeFootballPoll.com coaching changes. Figures checked October 22, 2026; the page updates when they change.
