College Football Coaching Salaries Soar in 2024

The latest data from USA Today reveals significant disparities in college football coaching salaries, highlighting a trend where over 100 coaches now earn more than $1 million annually. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) dominates the list, with nine of the top 15 highest-paid coaches, led by Georgia's Kirby Smart at $13.28 million. Notably, Florida State's Mike Norvell and Kentucky's Mark Stoops are often considered overpaid given their teams' performance, with Norvell's recent extension raising eyebrows as Florida State struggles. Additionally, Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, earning just under $6.7 million, ranks outside the top 25, while other coaches like USC's Lincoln Riley and Florida State's Norvell break the $10 million mark. The rising salaries reflect the overall financial boom in college football, driven by media deals and the NIL legislation. The disparity in pay among Power Four and Group of Five coaches underscores the increasing wealth within top-tier programs.