Top 25 Highest-Paid College Football Coaches in 2023

When it comes to college football, having a great coach is like having a star player on your team. College football coaches wear many hats – they recruit talented players, devise game strategies, and set the tone for the team’s culture.

That’s why college football coaches are highly valued, especially those who have a track record of success. Brett McMurphy, a college football insider, has released the list of the 25 highest-paid college football coaches in 2023.

At the very top, we have some familiar names. Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney, and Kirby Smart are the highest earners, and it’s no surprise. They’ve all won multiple national championships, the pinnacle of success in college football.

Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, leads the pack with an annual salary of $11.407 million. Right behind him, we have Dabo Swinney from Clemson, earning $10.884 million, and Kirby Smart from Georgia, making $10.705 million.

Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State, secures the fourth spot with an annual salary of $10.271 million. Ohio State has been one of the top teams under his leadership, though he’s yet to win a national championship.

Mel Tucker, who was recently let go by Michigan State, rounds out the top five, earning an impressive $10.015 million. The rest of the top ten includes Brian Kelly from LSU and Jimbo Fisher from Texas A&M. It’s worth noting that several SEC (Southeastern Conference) coaches make it to the top ten, highlighting the conference’s dominance in college football.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the top 25 highest-paid college football coaches in 2023, along with their salaries:

1. Nick Saban, Bama $11.407
2. Dabo Swinney, Clemson $10.884
3. Kirby Smart, Georgia $10.705
4. Ryan Day, Ohio St $10.271
5. Mel Tucker, Mich St $10.015
6. Brian Kelly, LSU $9.975
7. Jimbo Fisher, A&M $9.150
8. Mark Stoops, Kentucky $9.013
9. Josh Huepel, Tennessee $9.000, 
10. (Tie) Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss $9.000
11. James Franklin, Penn St $8.500
12. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan $8.254
13. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin $7.625, 
14. (Tie) Mike Gundy, Okla St $7.625
15. Mike Norvell, Florida St $7.300
16. Billy Napier, Florida $7.270
17. Brent Venables, OU $7.100
18. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa $7.000
19. Dan Lanning, Oregon $6.624
20. Hugh Freeze, Auburn $6,500, 
21. (Tie) Bret Bielema, Illinois $6.500
22. Sam Pittman, Arkansas $6.357
23. Kyle Whittingham, Utah $6,325
24. Shane Beamer, South Carolina $6.125
25. Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri $6.000, 
26. (Tie) P.J. Fleck, Minnesota $6.000

The figures are in Millions.

Being a college football coach is a tough job with lots of pressure. These coaches earn big paychecks because of the demands and expectations that come with their roles.

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