7 highest-paid college football coaches entering 2026 season

Bill Belichick receives a lot of attention after leaving the NFL, but he’s not one of the highest-paid college football head coaches.

In fact, the New England Patriots legend isn’t even among the top 10 after making his NFL exit a few years back. However, a host of Big Ten and SEC coaches are firmly in the highest-paid discussion with winning games at a premium.

Notable names like Curt Cignetti and Ryan Day are receiving the most of the country’s college football attention based on recent success. Meanwhile, veterans like Dabo Swinney and Kirby Smart aren’t going anywhere with their programs earning the spotlight.

Week 0 kicks off the collegiate football season, and while many top programs won’t be playing their seasons are just another week away.

MORE: 4 under-the-radar college football stars playing Week 0

How much do college football coaches make?Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It certainly pays to be an elite college football coach in 2026, especially at top-level programs in big conferences. Many of the best head coaches are making upwards of $10 million annually, as well as other major perks.

Meanwhile, even the lowest-paid coaches in the SEC are still earning over $3 million each season.

Here are the 10 highest-paid college football coaches in 2026 💰 pic.twitter.com/RUoUwWapxI

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 29, 2026

At a time where NIL is prevalent for top players like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, it’s evident that the coaches are earning quite well.

MORE: Ranking every Week 0 college football game by watchability

7 highest-paid college football coaches in 2026LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

1. Kirby Smart (Georgia) – $13.1 million
2. Curt Cignetti (Indiana) – $13 million
3. Lane Kiffin (LSU) – $13 million
4. Ryan Day (Ohio State) – $12.6 million
5. Kalen DeBoer (Alabama) -$12.5 million
6. Lincoln Riley (USC) – $12.5 million
7. Dabo Swinney (Clemson) – $12.4 million

Honorable mentions: Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Mike Elko (Texas A&M), Dan Lanning (Oregon)

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