Tuesday, October 6, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.

Northwestern Stadium Developer Explains Empty Seats

The 35,000-seat stadium was officially sold out in its first game.
Exclusive

Portnoy on Fox ‘Big Noon’ Exit: Ryan Day Thinks I ‘Doxxed’ Him

Portnoy tells FOS that Ohio State pushed for his removal.

New-Look Pac-12 Returns for First Week of Conference Play

It’s a milestone many thought unlikely just three years ago.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/6/26 – Portnoy on Fox Exit, Rays Are Hottest Ticket, LeBron’s Fanatics Helicopter Commute

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks with New York Yankees president Randy Levine as they attend a roundtable event on collegiate sports at the White House in Washington, D.C., March 6, 2026.
Exclusive
October 2, 2026

SEC and Big Ten Don’t Want to Expand: Randy Levine

Levine argued amending the conference realignment provision would be unnecessary.
Arizona State hockey head coach Greg Powers watches his team as they play UMass-Lowell at Oceanside Ice Arena on Jan. 12, 2018, in Tempe.
October 2, 2026

ASU Commissions Independent Investigation of Hockey Workout

Coach Greg Powers was placed on leave earlier this week.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detail view of an NCAA basketball in the hoop during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
October 2, 2026

Ohio Court Reverses Grandfathering of Athletes Into NCAA Eligibility

Parallel litigation remains ongoing in several states.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; A detailed view of the College Football Playoff logo on the pylon during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
October 2, 2026

ESPN’s Exclusive Window Closes Next Week As 24-Team CFP Looms

The College Football Playoff has until Dec. 1 to expand for 2027.
Exclusive
October 1, 2026

Where Does New Big East Commissioner Stand on PE?

Commissioner Tim Brosnan told FOS that PE firms have approached the league.
Arizona State hockey head coach Greg Powers watches his team before a game against UMass-Lowell at Oceanside Ice Arena on Jan. 12, 2018,
October 1, 2026

ASU Hockey Coach Administrative Leave Isn’t Enough: Attorneys

They also renewed their calls for an independent investigation.