College football head coaches are some of the most well-compensated figures in college sports, earning millions to build powerhouse programs, recruit top talent, and deliver championships. Following a wave of extensions and new deals in 2025, head coach salaries have reached record highs from seasoned SEC veterans to new Big Ten leaders.
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid head coaches in college football, ranked by annual salary before bonuses.
T10) Mark Stoops, Kentucky ($9,000,000)
Mark Stoops signed a contract extension in 2022 that runs through 2031, with a $38 million buyout. Kentucky is currently struggling this season, sitting at 3-5, and being 1-5 in SEC play.
Even though they may not be playing their best this season, Stoops’ long-term deal reflects Kentucky’s commitment to consistency with tough SEC competition.
T10) Josh Heupel, Tennessee ($9,000,000)
Josh Heupel received a contract extension in August 2025 that runs through January 2030. His deal guarantees him 100% of his remaining salary if he is terminated without cause before December 15, 2025.
The Volunteers are 6-3 (3-3 SEC) and ranked No. 23. Heupel continues to keep Tennessee and contention within their conference by his recruiting efforts and keeping his offense scoring.
T10) Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri ($9,000,000)
Eliah Drinkwitz signed a contract extension through 2029 this past July. His buyout is currently at $4 million before Decemeber 1, 2025, decreasing $3 million between December 2, 2025, and December 1, 2027, and then drops again.
Missouri is currently 6-2 (2-2 SEC) and is ranked No. 22, maintaining consistency in an extremely competitive conference. Drinkwitz’s strong coaching ability and recruiting have helped Missouri stay in the top 25.
T10) Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss ($9,000,000)
After a 10-3 record last season, Lane Kiffin has led Ole Miss to an 8-1 start this season and a No.7 ranking in the AP poll. Following a win over Oklahoma on October 26, 2025, the program extended Kiffin‘s contract another year through 2031.
This added year will pay Kiffin $9 million annually, with $7.2 million guaranteed in his buyout, being $36.6 million on December 1, 2025. Kiffin’s leadership and offensive expertise have made Ole Miss a college football playoff contender.
9) Bill Belichick, North Carolina ($10,100,000)
NFL legend Bill Belichick made his college coaching debut this season at North Carolina, signing a five-year contract worth $10.1 million annually. His deal includes a $10 million buyout if he leaves before June 2026, which drops to $1 million after the 2025 season. Belichick’s contract includes a maximum of $3.35 million and annual bonuses based on wins, postseason appearances, and academic performances.
He can earn between $150,000 and $350,000 and the regular season and up to $1.75 million for reaching and winning the college football playoff. UNC is currently 3-5 (1-3 ACC), still finding its rhythm under the legendary coach.
8) Kalen DeBoer, Alabama ($10,250,000)
Kalen DeBoer signed an eight-year deal in March 2024 with a $60.8 million buyout. His contract includes up to $1.17 million in bonuses with payouts tied to championships and playoff appearances.
Alabama is 7-1 (5-0 SEC) and has regained momentum under Debo’s leadership. Following an early loss to Florida State in his second season, Tuscaloosa has reaffirmed Alabama’s national title aspirations.
7) Dan Lanning, Oregon ($10,400,000)
Dan Lanning’s new six-year contract, signed in March 2025, raised his salary above $10 million after guiding Oregon to the 2024 college football playoff quarterfinals. His $58.7 million buyout and $1.67 million bonus potential reflect Oregon’s investment and keeping him long-term.
The Ducks are 7-1 (4-1 Big Ten) and ranked No. 6. This has proved that landings, aggressive recruiting, and defensive leadership have paid off.
6) Steve Sarkisian, Texas ($10,800,000)
Steve Sarkisian helped lead Texas to the College Football playoffs semifinals, earning a contract extension through 2031. His annual salary now stands at $10.8 million with up to $1.85 million in bonus potential. He has a $60.3 million buyout beginning December 1, 2025.
Texas is currently 7-2 (4-1 SEC) and ranked No. 13. This keeps Sarkisian in the playoff race as the Longhorns transition into full SEC competition.
5) Dabo Swinney, Clemson ($11,382,775)
Dabo Swinney is set to earn $11,382,775 before bonuses this season, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the ACC. His $60 million buyout remains one of the biggest in college football, and his 10-year contract runs through 2031.
Clemson is currently 3-5 (2-4 ACC) this season, but Swinney’s success with two national championships and multiple ACC titles solidifies his legacy in the university’s investment.
4) Lincoln Riley, USC ($11,537,560)
Lincoln Riley’s 10-year, $150 million contract makes him one of college football’s most secure and well-paid coaches with an $88 million buyout.
USC’s faith and Rylie remain strong despite recent inconsistencies. USC is currently ranked No. 20 and is 6-2 (4-1 Big Ten). Rylie needs a strong finish against Northwestern, Iowa, and Oregon to reassert USC’s playoff hopes.
3) Curt Cignetti, Indiana ($11.6 million)
Indiana announced Curt Cignetti’s new eight-year contract on October 16, 2025, a mid and undefeated. The Hoosiers are ranked No. 2 nationally and 9-0 (6-0 Big Ten).
Cignetti has led Indiana to becoming a national championship contender and has just two years of holding a 17-2 record. He already earned bonuses this year, including $100,000 after Indiana’s fifth Big Ten win against UCLA.
2) Ryan Day, Ohio State ($12,500,000)
Ohio State’s 2024 national championship sealed Ryan Day seven seven-year contract, signed in February 2025. His deal includes up to $1.55 million in bonuses and a $250,000 retention bonus in 2027.
Day has continued to dominate in 2025, keeping the Buckeyes undefeated 8-0 (5-0 Big Ten) and ranked No. 1 nationally.
1) Kirby Smart, Georgia ($13,003,000)
Kirby Smart leads the nation as the highest-paid coach in college football with a salary just over $13 million following a two-year extension through 2033. His contract gave him the largest buyout in football history, guaranteeing him through 2028 and 85% guaranteed through the end of the agreement. These terms are different if Smart were to decide to resign.
Georgia is 7-1 (5-1 SEC) and ranked number five for another playoff push under Smart’s leadership. If the Bulldogs return to the college football playoffs, it will mark their fifth appearance under Smart.
