Overview

• The updated database released Wednesday shows nine head coaches at $10 million or more in total 2025 pay, with the highest concentrations in the SEC and Big Ten.
• Georgia’s Kirby Smart leads at $13,282,580 for 2025, followed by Ohio State’s Ryan Day at $12,575,000 and USC’s Lincoln Riley at $11,537,560.
• Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer ranks No. 7 at $10,250,000 in total pay, and his buyout as of Dec. 1, 2025 is $60,843,750, trailing only Smart and Day.
• Buyout liabilities are steep across top programs, headlined by Smart’s figure exceeding $105 million, and USA TODAY notes that mitigation clauses and payout schedules can affect what schools ultimately owe.
• Some contracts include one-time payments to cover prior obligations, such as Michigan State’s $3,000,000 to Oregon State for Jonathan Smith’s buyout and Houston’s $1,000,000 to Tulane for Willie Fritz.