• Loading stock data...
Saturday, June 7, 2025

Championship Paydays: Coaches Cash In on Conference Title Wins

Arizona State claim the Big 12 title in its first year in the conference, and coach Kenny Dillingham has an extra $395,000 coming his way.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In the inaugural year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, and amid a continued wave of head-spinning conference realignment, college football’s championship weekend brought great excitement on the field, even if not every game had a trip to the Playoff on the line.

Every Power 4 conference title game featured a first-year conference newcomer, and No. 15 Arizona State (11–2) became the first to claim its conference title, beating No. 16 Iowa State on Saturday afternoon. And since ASU has locked down its spot in the CFP, the Big 12 gets $4 million. 

Every conference, in fact, gets a $4 million guaranteed payout for each member school that makes the Playoff, then another $4 million for making the second round, $6 million for making the semifinals, and another $6 million for appearing in the national championship game. (Each school also gets $3 million per CFP round for its travel expenses.)

That puts the Big Ten and SEC in very lucrative positions, with four schools each in the current top 12, though that could reshuffle after Saturday’s results. No. 2 Texas (11–2) could have been the next newcomer to claim a title Saturday, but lost the SEC championship in overtime to No. 5 Georgia—its second loss this season to the Bulldogs (11–2). 

Title Game Bonuses

Several coaches earned significant bonuses for their teams’ performances in conference title games, with some securing spots in the College Football Playoff.

Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State: The 34-year-old has a $395,000 bonus coming his way for the Sun Devils’ 45–19 win over the Cyclones (10–3).

Kirby Smart, Georgia: He’ll pocket $300,000—$100,00 for playing in the SEC title game and $200,00 for winning it—and Georgia will score a first-round Playoff bye. Smart, according to USA Today, will also collect another $175,000 for his Bulldogs playing in the CFP.

Dan Lanning, Oregon: The No. 1 Ducks beat No. 3 Penn State 45–37, making quite a statement in its first season in the conference. Lanning had already earned a $100,000 bonus for making the title game and another $200,000 for Oregon’s 12th regular-season win. With the win, he added another $150,000 to his earnings by securing the school’s first Big Ten title.

Dabo Swinney, Clemson: In the ACC championship game, No. 17 Clemson knocked off No. 8 SMU, 34–31, keeping its CFP hopes alive. Swinney had already earned $50,000 for making it to the title game. With the victory, he added another $200,000 to his earnings and stands to earn an additional $75,000 if the Tigers make it to the CFP.

Spencer Danielson, Boise State: Danielson collected a $66,000 bonus for guiding his team to the Mountain West crown. The No. 10 Broncos topped No. 20 UNLV, 21–7, in the MWC title game Friday, likely securing Boise State (12–1) a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

Jeff Monken, Army: The No. 24 Black Knights (11–1) claimed their first American Athletic Conference title in 134 years by routing Tulane 35–14 on Friday, giving Monken a $50,000 bonus.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aliyah Boston
exclusive

Sky–Fever Will Not Break WNBA Attendance Record

United Center renovations mean the league attendance record is off the table.
Tamika Catchings

The Sky–Fever Rivalry Wasn’t Born Yesterday

The teams fixated on each other well before Clark and Reese.

Texas Knocks Down NIL-Heavy Texas Tech to Win WCWS

Even without making NIL headlines, the Longhorns invest big in softball.

Featured Today

Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.
May 27, 2015; Paris, France; Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) knocks the clay off her shoe during her match against Simona Halep (ROU) on day four of the French Open at Roland Garros
June 4, 2025

Roland-Garros’s Iconic Red-Clay Surface Is a Precise Alchemy

The exact science behind maintaining the French Open’s red clay.
Alex Jensen introductory press conference on Monday, March 17, 2025.
June 3, 2025

Alex Jensen Started Utah Utes HC Job While Still Coaching the Mavs

How Jensen began building an NCAA program while patrolling the Dallas sideline.
Jan 6, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, United States; An Arizona State Sun Devil competes in the 100 yard breaststroke against the Grand Canyon Lopes at Mona Plummer Aquatic Complex in Tempe on Jan. 6, 2024.

Trump Immigration Actions Could Ensnare International College Athletes

Both White House and State Department actions have contributed to the uncertainty.
June 5, 2025

Ohio State’s Ryan Day Pushes for Big Ten Priority in CFP Format

Ohio State’s head coach wants the Big Ten to have four automatic bids.
NiJaree Canady
June 5, 2025

Stacked Texas Tech NIL Roster Now a Win Away From Softball Title

The Red Raiders have a winning formula with NIL and recruiting.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Mar 30, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) shoots the ball against the Houston Cougars in the first half during the Midwest Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
June 4, 2025

Trump’s DOJ Files Brief in Zeigler NCAA Eligibility Case

Zakai Zeigler is asking to play for Tennessee’s basketball team a fifth year.
Parker
June 4, 2025

Women’s College World Series Is Tight but Lucrative Earning Window for Softball..

Brands are navigating the brief but popular annual softball showcase.
Jun 2, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders players celebrate after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 3-2 and advance to the finals against Texas in the NCAA Softball Women's College World Series semifinal game at Devon Park.
June 4, 2025

How Texas Tech Put Together Its First-Ever Women’s College World Series Run

AD Kirby Hocutt speaks with FOS about the Red Raiders’ winning formula.
NCAA Hockey
June 4, 2025

Gavin McKenna’s College Decision Could Shake Up Hockey Forever

The balance of power could shift from Canada to U.S. colleges.