Luke Fickell makes $7.8 million in 2026 at Wisconsin on a contract through 2031. His buyout of about $21.3 million this season, the offset, his $8 million exit cost and why he skipped an extension.
Shane Beamer makes $8.25 million in 2026 at South Carolina on a contract through 2030 that guarantees $50.4 million. The 65 percent buyout, his exit cost, playoff bonuses and how it compares.
Bret Bielema makes $7.7 million a year at Illinois plus retention bonuses starting at $700,000, on a contract through 2030 that could run to 2035. How his pay climbed and how it compares.
Kyle Whittingham makes $8 million in base salary in 2026 at Michigan on a five year, $41 million contract through 2030. The 75 percent guarantee, the $2.3 million signing bonus and the Utah transition money.
Mario Cristobal was paid about $8.3 million by Miami in 2025 on a 10 year, $80 million deal, then signed an undisclosed extension in August 2026 after the national title game run. What is public and what is not.
Josh Heupel makes $9 million a year at Tennessee on a contract through January 2030, almost all supplemental pay. How his pay climbed, the buyout structure, bonuses and how it compares.
Matt Rhule makes $8.5 million in base salary in 2026 at Nebraska on a contract through 2032 that rises to $12.5 million. The $15 million buyout, playoff escalators and the Panthers money behind the structure.
James Franklin makes $6 million in 2026 at Virginia Tech on a back loaded five year, $41.75 million deal, plus a $9 million Penn State settlement. Year by year pay, buyouts, bonuses and why it is structured that way.
Matt Campbell makes $8 million plus a $1 million retention bonus in 2026 at Penn State on an eight year deal guaranteeing $70.5 million through 2033. The buyout, playoff and title clauses, and how it compares.
Bill Belichick makes $10 million a year at North Carolina on a five year, $50 million deal with only three years guaranteed. The unusual buyout that ends after 2027, his $1 million exit cost and bonuses.