Everyone knows that NCAA football programs are flush with cash these days, and they’re spreading it around, from coaches to their assistants to players (NIL and otherwise). It’s crazy some of these salaries, but that’s the college football world we live in now. Let’s take a look at the highest-paid head coaches. Now, bear in mind these figures are for the 2025-2026 season. Expect many more bonuses and bumps in the future.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Duke v North Carolina | Grant Halverson/GettyImages
Mike Elko currently ranks No. 10 with a $7 million base from his previous deal, but his new six-year, $69 million extension starts at $10.75 million in 2026, rising to $12.25 million by 2031. It includes 9-win or CFP-triggered extensions, hefty incentives up to 30% for a title, and NIL guarantees.
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Salary for 2025-2026 season: $7.2 Million
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Billy Napier, Florida
Sep 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier call for a timeout against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Billy Napier’s 2025 salary was $7.4 million under his original seven-year. He was fired after Florida’s shocking losses and season record (4-8), but a deal is a deal and it always includes a buyout clause.
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $7.2 million
Brent Venables, Oklahoma
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables before the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Brent Venables and his staff will receive significant raises after the Sooners went 10-2 last season and earned a CFP berth. Venables earned a million-plus-dollar raise.
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $7.5 million
Mario Cristobal, Miami
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal with linebacker Wesley Bissainthe (31) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mario Cristobal’s 10-year, $80 million contract averages $8 million annually, with his 2026 base salary hitting $8.3-$8.5 million, ranking him tied for sixth among CFP coaches. Last season he led Miami to playoff wins over Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss.
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Salary for 2025-2026 season: $8.5 million
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney speaks after the Tigers’ 28-14 win over the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s winningest coach with national titles in 2016 and 2018, earns $11.45 million annually in 2026 under his 2021 extension through 2031.
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $11.5 million
Lincoln Riley, USC
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The former Oklahoma coach signed a 10-year, $110 million contract in 2022. The Trojans, who finished 9-4 last season, have the top 2026 recruiting class, so bigger things could be ahead.
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Salary for 2025-2026 season: $11.5 million
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti holds up the coaches trophy on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, during the Indiana Football College Football Playoff National Championship celebration and parade at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $11.6 million
Curt Cignetti’s salary soared to $13.2 million annually through 2033 after Indiana’s 2025 national championship, a 16-0 undefeated run, and the program’s first title. He deserves it — 27-2 in two seasons at Indiana — and now it appears he’ll be the top-paid coach in all of college football in 2026.
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Ryan Day, Ohio State
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day looks on during warm ups before the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Day earns $12.6 million annually under a seven-year deal through 2031, with a $12 million base salary and up to $1.55 million in bonuses. The restructured contract was on the heels of theBuckeyes’ 2025 national championship.
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $12.6 million
Lane Kiffin, LSU
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Lane Kiffin bolted from an 11-1 Ole Miss squad for a seven-year, $91 million deal at LSU, paying $13 million annually—vaulting him into college football’s top three earners alongside Kirby Smart and Ryan Day.He has a clause in his contract that will make him the highest-paid coach in college3 football if the Tigers win a national championship.
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Salary for 2025-2026 season: $13 million
Kirby Smart, Georgia
Kirby Smart became college football’s first $13 million coach with a 10-year, $130 million extension through 2033. In his ninth year, he’s won two national titles (2021-22).
Salary for 2025-2026 season: $13.3 million
Conclusion
Salaries for college football’s top coaches continue to soar with no end in sight. The figures are jaw-dropping but when programs have that kind of money, they may as well spend it on top talent as they chase a national championship. Some of the substantial paychecks are worth it. As firings and buyouts increase, it’s clear some are not. On thing’s certain: The big boys aren’t afraid to bet on their guy.
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