The 30 biggest college football coaching buyouts in 2024
michelle r. martinelli
·3 min read
Mike Norvell, Brian Kelly (USA TODAY Sports)
Pretty much every week during the college football season, there's at least one fan base rioting online with their virtual pitchforks demanding that its football coach is fired before he leaves the field.
For schools, of course, there's more to consider than what the fans want, particularly, what the terms of a buyout are. Fans may be ready for a change, but the school might not be ready to fork over an eight-figure buyout if it can help it.
Thanks to USA TODAY Sports' database of college football coaches' salaries, we know how much it would cost almost every school to fire its coach this year. (Obtaining this information from private schools is trickier because they're not obligated to report salary data.)
As USA TODAY Sports explained in its methodology, these buyout numbers are how much the school would owe the coach if he's fired without cause, and the amount may be paid out over a period of time, rather than a lump sum.
So here's a look at the 30 biggest buyouts in college football in 2024.
30. Willie Fritz, Houston Cougars
Sep 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz on the sideline during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883098 ORIG FILE ID: 20240928_tjt_at5_071.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $19,000,000
29. Hugh Freeze, Auburn Tigers
Oct 5, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze on the field against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883133 ORIG FILE ID: 20241005_dwz_sz2_0092.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $20,312,500
28. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on before the game against the USC Trojans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883141 ORIG FILE ID: 20241005_mdk_hw1_010.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $23,302,500
27. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Aug 31, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys coach Mike Gundy on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882812 ORIG FILE ID: 20240831_sjb_pa6_295.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $25,359,375
26. Billy Napier, Florida Gators
Sep 21, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier stands on the sidelines during the first quarter of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883024 ORIG FILE ID: 20240921_gma_mb6_0039.jpg
Sep 21, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883029 ORIG FILE ID: 20240921_mcl_la6_012.jpg
Sep 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold on field against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883099 ORIG FILE ID: 20240928_dam_sm8_228.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $27,800,000
23. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers
Sep 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks to a reporter after the win over the Boston College Eagles at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882967 ORIG FILE ID: 20240914_dam_sm8_266.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $28,312,500
22. Greg Schiano, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Oct 12, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano walks on the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883196 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_vtc_cb6_0312.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $28,683,983
21. Bret Bielema, Illinois
Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema celebrates a 50-49 win over the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883191 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_cec_tg1_375.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $29,125,000
20. Chris Klieman, Kansas State Wildcats
Oct 12, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883204 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_clh_ah2_0099.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $29,625,000
19. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa Hawkeyes
Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with quarterback Cade McNamara (12) after a touchdown against the Troy Trojans during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882953 ORIG FILE ID: 202409014_cec_bc9_240.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $31,000,000
18. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts after a play against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883188 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_gma_la1_0528.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $36,590,000
17. Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes
Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts after a touchdown during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883194 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_taw_wb2_050.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $37,276,042
16. Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers
Oct 12, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel looks on during a game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883190 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_gma_usa_0134.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $37,500,000
15. Jeff Brohm, Louisville Cardinals
Sep 21, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm calls out instructions during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883043 ORIG FILE ID: 202409021_cec_ar6_188.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $39,325,000
14. Jonathan Smith, Michigan State Spartans
Sep 21, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith watches from the sideline during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883034 ORIG FILE ID: 20240921_tbs_qe2_347.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $39,787,083
13. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin Badgers
Oct 5, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks to players during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883143 ORIG FILE ID: 20241005_jah_sh5_012.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $40,186,667
12. Jedd Fisch, Washington Huskies
Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch watches his team warm up before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883192 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_jla_bc9_102.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $40,239,960
11. Mark Stoops, Kentucky Wildcats
Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops runs onto the field before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883187 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_gma_li0_0222.jpg
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches his team warm up before their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883076 ORIG FILE ID: 20240928_bd_sr5_125.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $44,808,333
9. Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks
Sep 7, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning signals his defense during the first half against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882882 ORIG FILE ID: 20240907_taw_wb2_034.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $45,366,667
8. Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns wears the Golden Hat Trophy during a postgame interview after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 34-3 at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776172611 ORIG FILE ID: 2178145015
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882932 ORIG FILE ID: 20240907_tbs_oz8_291.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $56,287,500
6. James Franklin, Penn State Nittany Lions
Sep 28, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field during a warmup prior to a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883080 ORIG FILE ID: 20240928_jhp_bm2_0006.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $56,666,667
5. Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers
Sep 21, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney reacts during the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883041 ORIG FILE ID: 20240921_gma_usa_0189.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $60,000,000
4. Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers
Sep 28, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) talks to head coach Brian Kelly during warmups before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883077 ORIG FILE ID: 20240928_jhp_la1_0025.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $61,738,333
3. Mike Norvell, Florida State
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-882959 ORIG FILE ID: 20240914_gma_av1_0044.jpg
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $63,778,333
2. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Crimson Tide
Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer watches his team play against South Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883185 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_nts__0168.JPG
Buyout as of Dec. 1, 2024: $70,050,000
1. Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart on the sideline against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-883186 ORIG FILE ID: 20241012_bdd_ad1_078.JPG
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