Sunday, October 18, 2026

Report: P5 Football Coach Spending Shows No Sign of Slowing

  • Spending on football coaching salaries will continue to far outpace spending for athletes rights, according to a Knight Commission report.
  • By 2030, football coaching salaries will go up 353% compared with 2011, for a total of $1.5 billion
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

If the NCAA, College Football Playoff, and Power 5 programs don’t make significant changes to their habits, spending on football coaching salaries will continue to far outpace spending for athletes’ rights, according to a Knight Commission report.

  • By 2030, football coaching salaries could go up 353% compared with 2011, for a total of $1.5 billion.
  • Spending for football coach severance packages could reach $155 million in 2030.
  • Meanwhile, athletic student aid may climb to $1.2 billion — only a 102% increase since 2011.
Jim Harbaugh laughs during pregame interview

Big Money on Line for Coaches in CFP Semifinals

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has already netted more than $2 million in…
December 30, 2022

The report, presented during the 2023 NCAA Convention, attributed the projections to major increases in revenues, as well as current trends that prioritize shiny new facilities and football coaches over resources for athletes. 

The Knight Commission suggests that the 12-team CFP format, which will commence in 2024, will bring in between $1 billion-$1.5 billion for schools each year. That’s more than twice the current amount of $600 million.

Even that estimate may be conservative, however. The media rights contract for the 12-team CFP alone could rake in up to $2.2 billion each year, Front Office Sports previously reported.

The report noted that increased SEC and Big Ten media rights revenues will contribute as well.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michigan Benches Its Multimillion-Dollar Quarterback

Underwood’s benching comes after two first-half interceptions.

CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs

Nick Saban warns more playoff spots could mean more firings.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers a statement condemning the death penalty during a news conference at his office in Columbus on June 16, 2026.

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Fifth-Year Eligibility Order

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the executive order Tuesday.
Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

BYU Outperforming Its Budget As Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

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

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti heads in during The Walk before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Brian and Amy were the hosts, middle two in frame.

Indiana’s Title Windfall Meets Its Biggest Home Game in History

A new jersey patch extends Indiana’s run of sponsorship deals.
Oct 10, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Keelon Russell Carries a Growing NIL Brand and Alabama’s Playoff Hopes

Following a loss to Georgia, Alabama faces Tennessee on Saturday.
October 15, 2026

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Arizona State and Greg Powers “reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
Oct 10, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Zach Grace (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with offensive lineman Aliou Bah (55) and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.
October 14, 2026

SEC Accuses LSU of ‘Stubborn Refusal’ to Follow Rules

The conference argued the lawsuit against LSU is still relevant.
October 13, 2026

Ohio Gov. Issues Executive Order Challenging NCAA Eligibility Policy

The EO may not have teeth, but it could still impact eligibility.
October 13, 2026

Josh Pate, John Fanta Blast CFP Expansion: ‘Why Stop at 24?’

The deadline for College Football Playoff expansion in 2027 is Dec. 1, 2026.