• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 31, 2025

Big Money on Line for Coaches in CFP Semifinals

  • Harbaugh has racked up more than $2M in bonuses already and another six-figure bonus is reachable.
  • Georgia’s Kirby Smart is up to $850,000 so far this season ahead of Saturday’s CFP semifinal.
Jim Harbaugh laughs during pregame interview
Cheryl Evans-USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has already netted more than $2 million in bonuses for leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff semifinal berth. 

It will take two victories before Harbaugh is eligible for another seven-figure payout. Wins over TCU in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday and another in the CFP title game on Jan. 9 would trigger a $1 million bonus. 

Harbaugh received $500,000 for winning the Big Ten East Division title, $1 million for the overall conference title and another $500,000 for making it to the College Football Playoffs. He also took in $50,000 for winning Big Ten coach of the year. 

Harbaugh’s compensation — minus the aforementioned bonuses  — is $8.05 million for the 2022 season, the first of a reworked five-year contract announced in February. 

  • Georgia coach Kirby Smart is up to $850,000 bonuses so far, according to USA Today. Georgia faces Ohio State in the other playoff semifinal, the Peach Bowl, on Saturday.
  • Ohio State coach Ryan Day earned $250,000 for making it into the playoff, and could earn $100,000 more by advancing to the title game. 
  • TCU coach Sonny Dykes bonus structure isn’t known. As a private school, TCU does not release contract information. He recently received an extension through 2028.

Pay Rebound

Harbaugh agreed to cut his compensation about half for the 2021 season to around $4 million as part of renogotiated contract. He also renounced $1.5 million in bonuses that were funneled to athletic department staffers who had their pay cut as a result of the pandemic.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Comcast Stock Falls, but Peacock and Sports Rights Provide Hope

Revenue grows at Peacock while TV, internet subscriptions slide again.

Utah Hockey Club Puts Name Choice in Fans’ Hands After Yeti Fiasco

Keeping the existing name, the Mammoth, and Wasatch are the remaining options.

Clemson, Florida State Could End ACC Lawsuits Under Revised ESPN Deal

The network has picked up its option to continue its deal through 2036.

Winning Comes at a Price: Texas and Ohio State Report Record Expenses

The Longhorns reported $325 million in operating expenses last fiscal year.

Featured Today

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
PWHL arena
January 25, 2025

PWHL’s Sophomore Year Booms in Canada, Has Room to Grow in U.S.

Attendance is up 30% from last year, the league says.
January 24, 2025

Once Abandoned, Portland Is Regaining Its Place in the WNBA

The next WNBA team is springing up in a once-deserted market.
October 17, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fan fireman Ed during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
January 24, 2025

Superfandom Is a Lifestyle, Business—and Thorn in Some Teams’ Sides

Rabid fandom has perks—sometimes to the frustration of teams and leagues.
Western Oregon women's basketball players allege abuse.

Western Oregon Women’s Basketball Players File $28 Million Lawsuit Claiming Coach Abuse

Players say school officials ignored their complaints of physical abuse and bullying.
January 29, 2025

Shedeur Sanders Sits Out Shrine Bowl Practices, Sparking Speculation

The top NFL Draft prospect is at the Shrine Bowl, but not playing.
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Colorado linebacker LaVonta Bentley (20) during gets set at his position during the 1st quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
January 30, 2025

House v. NCAA Objections Highlight Three Major Concerns

It’s not all smooth sailing into college sports’ revenue-sharing era.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
The United States Capitol during the certification of votes by Congress making Donald Trump president on Jan. 6, 2025.
January 29, 2025

Why College Football Coaches Are Investing in Federal Lobbying

One issue coaches have been vocal about: the transfer portal.
Brown falls to Dartmouth 84-83 at Pizzitola Sports Center. Alexander Lesburt Jr drives to the net with Ryan Cornish defending for Dartmouth.
January 28, 2025

What Trump’s Moves Mean for Future of College Sports Labor

Athletes probably won’t win employee status through the NLRB.
Head coach Ryan Day fires up the crowd during the Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Playoff National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Jan. 26, 2025.
January 27, 2025

American Football Coaches Association Taps Federal Lobbyists

Lobbying disclosures noted the groups will be working on NIL issues.
Jan 24, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) drives against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena.
January 26, 2025

South Carolina WBB Suspends DJ Who Trolled LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson

The DJ will be suspended for one home game.