Big money, big pressure — that’s the reality behind college football’s top coaches. A new deep dive by USA Today Sports has pulled back the curtain on just how much some of the biggest names—like Mizzou’s Eli Drinkwitz, Kansas’ Lance Leipold, and Kansas State’s Chris Klieman—are taking home each season. And the rankings might surprise you. But here's where it gets controversial: are some of these salaries really justified given recent team performance?
According to USA Today’s latest database, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has cemented his position among the highest-earning coaches in the entire country. He’s tied for the 10th-highest salary nationwide, pulling in a hefty $9 million annually, not including potential bonuses worth up to $1.575 million. That puts him in elite company alongside Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Josh Heupel (Tennessee), and Mark Stoops (Kentucky)—all hovering in the same salary bracket. Within the SEC, Drinkwitz still trails powerhouse names such as Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian, Kalen DeBoer, and Brian Kelly, who dominate the upper echelon of the pay scale.
Meanwhile, Kansas’ Lance Leipold continues to rise as one of the sport’s most remarkable comeback stories. After years of underperformance, Leipold has transformed the Jayhawks into a competitive force once again. For his efforts, the database lists him 37th nationally, making $6.5 million per year in his fifth season at the helm. The 61-year-old’s contract includes a $22.9 million buyout, signaling just how valuable Kansas considers his leadership. Within the Big 12 Conference, Leipold clocks in at sixth in salary rankings, placing him firmly in the upper half of his peers.
His in-state rival, Chris Klieman of Kansas State, isn’t far behind. Klieman lands 46th nationally, earning $5.25 million annually, and that figure narrowly edges out his long-time counterpart and “Farmageddon” rival, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell. It’s a tight financial race that sparks interesting discussion about which coach is delivering the best return on investment.
While some fans argue that these multimillion-dollar contracts are the cost of staying competitive in college football’s modern era, others question whether schools should be shelling out this kind of money when athletic departments—and sometimes universities—face budget strain. Should success on the field justify salaries that rival those of NFL coaches? Or does it reveal how skewed college sports economics have become?
You can explore the complete breakdown in USA Today’s full report on coaching salaries, which paints a fascinating picture of financial priorities across the NCAA landscape.
What do you think—are college football coaches overpaid, underpaid, or just earning their worth on the scoreboard? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the debate.
