• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 23, 2026

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

Beau Brune/LSU

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; President Donald J Trump cross the field at half time of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army West Point Black Knights at M&T Bank Stadium.

Trump Signs Executive Order to ‘Preserve’ Army–Navy Game

The order seeks to guarantee an exclusive television window for the game.

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.

Inside the Conference Fight That Left Louisiana Tech With 20 Games

Both conferences have released schedules, including the Bulldogs.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”

Sweet 16 Runs Show Veteran Coaches Are Still Thriving in the NIL Era

Five of the NCAA’s Sweet 16 coaches are 67 or older.
March 22, 2026

This Year’s Cinderellas Aren’t Really Cinderellas—and They’re Rich

Texas, Iowa, and St. John’s all have more resources than previous underdogs.
March 23, 2026

Darryn Peterson Says ‘Mind Stuff’ Derailed Bizarre College Season

Peterson would not confirm whether he was declaring for the NBA draft.
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) blocks the shot of Wisconsin Badgers guard Nick Boyd (2) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center
March 20, 2026

Mid-Majors Use March Madness to Lobby for High-Major Matchups

Underdog programs want—and need—more games against high-major teams.
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
March 20, 2026

Not Just Football: Vanderbilt Sports Surge Hits March Madness

The men’s basketball team earned its first NCAA tournament win since 2012.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) blocks BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026

AJ Dybantsa, BYU Are Latest Non-Blueblood Pairing To Exit Early

Texas upset BYU on Thursday night, ending A.J. Dybantsa’s freshman season.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) defends abasing Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
March 20, 2026

A ‘Life Skills University’ Is Upending March Madness

High Point upset Wisconsin to win its first March Madness game.