US College Football Coaches Receive Multi-Million Payday in 2025 Contracts

According to USA TODAY's 2025 compensation survey, Ohio State's Ryan Day is the second highest-paid college football coach, earning $12.575 million with potential bonuses, and holds the most expensive buyout in the Big Ten at over $70 million. Clemson's Dabo Swinney ranks fourth overall and first in the ACC, with a salary of about $11.38 million and a $60 million buyout. Mississippi's Lane Kiffin is tied for 11th nationally and sixth in the SEC, earning $9 million with a $36.6 million buyout. Wisconsin's Luke Fickell ranks 21st nationally and 8th in the Big Ten with a $7.825 million salary and a $27.5 million buyout. Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, the highest-paid coach among Independents, is set to earn $7.42 million, but his bonus and buyout details remain undisclosed due to the university's private status. These figures highlight the lucrative contracts and significant financial commitments schools make to retain top college football coaches.