College Football Coaches Hit Hard with $167 Million in Buyouts After Firing
As the college football coaching carousel continues to spin, a staggering amount of money is being owed to the recently fired head football coaches. According to public data and reports, a total of $167.7 million in buyouts has been triggered for these departed coaches.
Brian Kelly's buyout, currently under negotiation with LSU, stands at an impressive $54 million – the highest among this season's firings so far. This is even larger than Penn State's ex-coach James Franklin's $49 million buyout. Kelly's substantial payment reflects his significant investment in the program and the school's high expectations from him.
Other notable coaches receiving hefty payouts include Billy Napier ($21 million), Mike Gundy ($15 million), Sam Pittman ($9.8 million), Brent Pry ($6 million), DeShaun Foster ($5 million), Trent Bray ($4 million), Trent Dilfer ($2.4 million), and Jay Norvell ($1.5 million).
These massive buyouts are a reflection of the lucrative contracts coaches sign with their schools, often lasting several years. However, when a coach is fired, these deals can be restructured or terminated, leaving the school on the hook for significant payments.
The $167.7 million total does not include coaches who were let go over the offseason but rather those who have been fired since the start of the 2025 season. This figure underscores the financial risks schools take when hiring high-profile coaches and may provide insight into their decision-making processes.
It's worth noting that buyout totals can change depending on various circumstances, such as a coach securing new employment or entering a new contract. For instance, Billy Napier's Florida contract did not include offset language, ensuring he receives half of his buyout upfront – a total of $10.5 million within 30 days of his firing.
Kelly's buyout stands as the second-largest in college football history, only surpassed by Texas A&M's record-breaking $76 million deal with Jimbo Fisher in 2023. Both coaches were hired by Scott Woodward, who is now LSU athletic director and previously ran the Texas A&M department from 2016 to 2019.
In a statement announcing Kelly's firing, Woodward expressed his disappointment, citing "the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize." This sentiment echoes the challenges many college football programs face in maintaining consistency and competitiveness throughout their seasons.
As the college football coaching carousel continues to spin, a staggering amount of money is being owed to the recently fired head football coaches. According to public data and reports, a total of $167.7 million in buyouts has been triggered for these departed coaches.
Brian Kelly's buyout, currently under negotiation with LSU, stands at an impressive $54 million – the highest among this season's firings so far. This is even larger than Penn State's ex-coach James Franklin's $49 million buyout. Kelly's substantial payment reflects his significant investment in the program and the school's high expectations from him.
Other notable coaches receiving hefty payouts include Billy Napier ($21 million), Mike Gundy ($15 million), Sam Pittman ($9.8 million), Brent Pry ($6 million), DeShaun Foster ($5 million), Trent Bray ($4 million), Trent Dilfer ($2.4 million), and Jay Norvell ($1.5 million).
These massive buyouts are a reflection of the lucrative contracts coaches sign with their schools, often lasting several years. However, when a coach is fired, these deals can be restructured or terminated, leaving the school on the hook for significant payments.
The $167.7 million total does not include coaches who were let go over the offseason but rather those who have been fired since the start of the 2025 season. This figure underscores the financial risks schools take when hiring high-profile coaches and may provide insight into their decision-making processes.
It's worth noting that buyout totals can change depending on various circumstances, such as a coach securing new employment or entering a new contract. For instance, Billy Napier's Florida contract did not include offset language, ensuring he receives half of his buyout upfront – a total of $10.5 million within 30 days of his firing.
Kelly's buyout stands as the second-largest in college football history, only surpassed by Texas A&M's record-breaking $76 million deal with Jimbo Fisher in 2023. Both coaches were hired by Scott Woodward, who is now LSU athletic director and previously ran the Texas A&M department from 2016 to 2019.
In a statement announcing Kelly's firing, Woodward expressed his disappointment, citing "the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize." This sentiment echoes the challenges many college football programs face in maintaining consistency and competitiveness throughout their seasons.
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At least some of these coaches are getting paid to sit around for a bit – Billy Napier got $10.5 million just 30 days after being let go, lol what a sweet deal! 
like what even is the point of having a big ol' budget if you're just gonna fire people and pay them off 
maybe scott woodward just wanted a scapegoat for his own failures as athletic director lol 
$167 million is crazy 
But seriously, it just goes to show that the allure of big-time college football coaching is pretty lucrative for those who make it to the top 
] Firing season is no joke! 
Who's got the $$ to shell out this much cash? 
] Buyouts and firings: the cycle of college football 
I don't think so... I'm happy to stick with my NFL Sunday ticket subscription than pay for some fancy coach to make a few touchdowns 
I mean, I know they're superstars and all, but still... some of these coaches are getting paid more than my rent 
. But what about the students? Are we really spending that much on coaching fees? 
. Anyway, Brian Kelly's buyout is insane