USA Today released a list of all the coaching salaries for division football head coaches, and there are a lot of interesting observations.
Here are a few things I instantly took away from this massive report.
1) Dabo Swinney’s buyout is $40 million.
Swinney is one of the best coaches in all of college football, but this is an insanely large number. It’s even crazier when you compare it to the fact that Nick Saban’s buyout is just under $27 million. It’s pretty much a sign that Clemson will do whatever it takes to keep Swinney happy, and it’s also a sign they’re very worried Alabama will come knocking the day Saban retires.
2) Paul Chryst is the most underpaid coach in America.
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst only makes $3.2 million a year, which is extremely low for a man with his record at Wisconsin. His record at Wisconsin so far through two-and-a-half seasons is an impressive 28-6, and he currently has the undefeated Badgers ranked fifth in America. That’s a bargain by every since of the word. It’s even crazier when you realize the fact he’s the ninth highest paid coach in the Big Ten.
3) Jim Harbaugh is starting to look a bit overpaid.
Harbaugh will make a minimum of $7 million this season, and that’s a ton of money for a college coach. He’s making more money than Urban Meyer, who has way more career accomplishments. He’s never finished higher than third in the Big Ten East, and he’s being paid like a coach who wins titles.