Overview

• Georgia’s Kirby Smart is the top-paid coach and carries the largest buyout at roughly $105.1 million, with Ohio State’s Ryan Day next at about $70.9 million.
• Kalen DeBoer ranks No. 7 at $10.25 million in total pay with a $60.84 million buyout calculated as of Dec. 1, 2025, placing him in a crowded ~$60 million tier with Texas’ Steve Sarkisian.
• Nine head coaches earn at least $10 million for 2025, a group that also includes LSU’s Brian Kelly at $10.175 million and North Carolina’s Bill Belichick at $10.1 million with a $3.35 million maximum bonus opportunity.
• The SEC has five of the top 10 highest-paid coaches and an estimated $132,290,567 in combined head‑coach pay for 2025, underscoring conference spending power.
• USA TODAY’s figures use a Dec. 1, 2025 separation date and available public records, with some schools lacking complete data and buyouts subject to mitigation or payment over time.