Published November 28, 2012 - 8:53pm
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The following table lists the most up-to-date coaching salaries from the USA Today coaching salary database. The database does not include James Franklin’s salary, but it’s been reported to be in the $3 million range (though, this is an estimate).
The max bonus column shows what each coach can earn based on on-field performance such as winning the SEC or winning the national championship.
| Head Coach | School | Salary | Max Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Saban | Alabama | $5,316,667 | $700,000 |
| Les Miles | LSU | $3,751,000 | $700,000 |
| Steve Spurrier | South Carolina | $3,550,000 | $1,550,000 |
| Gene Chizik | Auburn | $3,500,000 | $1,200,000 |
| James Franklin | Vanderbilt | $3,000,000* | ? |
| Mark Richt | Georgia | $2,811,340 | $1,000,000 |
| Gary Pinkel | Missouri | $2,700,000 | $850,000 |
| Dan Mullen | Mississippi State | $2,600,000 | $650,000 |
| Will Muschamp | Florida | $2,474,500 | $450,000 |
| Kevin Sumlin | Texas A&M | $2,436,000 | $625,000 |
| Derek Dooley | Tennessee | $2,000,000 | $475,000 |
| Joker Phillips | Kentucky | $1,700,000 | $1,105,000 |
| Hugh Freeze | Ole Miss | $1,500,000 | $1,475,000 |
| John L. Smith | Arkansas | $850,000 | $225,000 |
In light of today’s events, Les Miles is reported to be getting a bump in his salary. Interestingly, Miles would have received a bump in his salary automatically had LSU beat Alabama in the BCS Championship last year. The clause in his contract states that Miles must have his salary adjusted to $1,000 more than the highest paid coach in the SEC – this means he would have had his salary adjusted to $1,000 more than Saban’s contract.
Since that didn’t happen, it took a reported move from Arkansas to accelerate a new deal for Miles. The numbers haven’t been reported, but I would assume his salary is over $4 million annually now, at least.
It’s interesting to compare salaries as clearly, based on 2012 performance, some coaches are overpaid. Gary Pinkel, perhaps? Chizik is obvious, but of course, he’s already been fired.
Photo Credit: Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE
soooooo……………….. Vandys’ coach is in line for more $$$$ than Mark Richt ????
Vandy (at 8-4), ACTUALLY earned it, !!!!!
Georgia should have NEVER lost to SC, but they DID………….. so goes the SEC.
Based on 2012 performance Pinkel may seem overpaid, but excluding this season Mizzou has been 43-12 in the last 5 years with 3 conference championships and 3 bowl wins. From 1983 to 2001, the Tigers went to two bowl games. Since Pinkel landed in Columbia, MU has eight bowls in 11 years, winning four of them. Prior to Pinkel, Missouri posted two 10-win seasons in 111 years of football. He has won at least 10 games three times in the last six years. Also, he just ended a 39 year marriage in divorce this year and moved to what is generally considered the toughest football conference in the nation. I’d say he deserves to have an off year…I’m still supporting him.