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Wisconsin HC Luke Fickell among the top 25 highest paid coaches in college football

Ben Kenney
·9 min read
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USA Today recently released its 2023 College Football Coaching Salary Index, releasing the top coaching salaries across college football.

The sport these days is about competition, in every facet. Whether it’s recruiting, facilities, coaching salaries or on the field, a college football program needs a hefty sum of money to make the entire operation work.

As is the case with any business operating on the level college football does, there is a lot of money coming in to make it all possible.

Wisconsin entered this so-called arms race last November when it hired Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell. Fickell was one of the hottest names in the sport and had plenty of programs trying to win his services in previous years.

How much money is Wisconsin reportedly paying Fickell? There’s an answer to that, and where he falls among the top coaches in the sport:

Nick Saban (Alabama)

Nov 13, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban watches the Crimson Tide warm up before playing <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/n-mex-st/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New Mexico State;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New Mexico State</a> at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $11.4 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 289-70-1

Resume: Seven National Championships, 10-time SEC champion, two-time AP Coach Of The Year, considered the greatest coach in the sport’s history

Dabo Swinney (Clemson)

Sep 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts in the fourth quarter against Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts in the fourth quarter against Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $10.88 million

2023 Record: 3-2

Career Record: 164-41

Resume: Two National Championships, 8-time ACC champion, 2015 AP Coach Of The Year, second most wins in Clemson history

Kirby Smart (Georgia)

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart during the the national championship celebration at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022.<br>News Joshua L Jones
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart during the the national championship celebration at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022.
News Joshua L Jones

Salary: $10.7 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 86-15

Resume: Two National Championships, two-time SEC champion, three-time SEC Coach Of The Year, back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022

Ryan Day (Ohio State)

Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day celebrates following the Buckeyes’ 48-45 victory against the Utah Utes in the 108th Rose Bowl Game.<br>Rose Bowl Game Ohio State Buckeyes Against Utah Utes
Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day celebrates following the Buckeyes’ 48-45 victory against the Utah Utes in the 108th Rose Bowl Game.
Rose Bowl Game Ohio State Buckeyes Against Utah Utes

Salary: $10.27 million

2023 Record: 4-0

Career Record: 49-6

Resume: Two-time Big Ten champion, 2019 Big Ten Coach Of The Year

Mel Tucker (Michigan State)

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker runs out with the team before the Central Michigan game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker runs out with the team before the Central Michigan game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

Salary: $10.02 million

2023 Record: 2-0 (fired last week)

Career Record: 25-21

Resume: 2021 Big Ten Coach Of The Year

Lincoln Riley (USC)

Mar 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/usc/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:USC football;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">USC football</a> head coach Lincoln Riley attends the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball game at Galen Center. The Wildcats won 91-71. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $10 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 71-13

Resume: Four-time Big 12 champion, 2018 Big 12 Coach Of The Year, has produced three Heisman Trophy winners (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams)

Brian Kelly (LSU)

<a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/lsu/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:LSU football;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">LSU football</a> coach Brian Kelly speaks to media following the first spring practice under him on March 24.<br>jump2
LSU football coach Brian Kelly speaks to media following the first spring practice under him on March 24.
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Salary: $9.7 million

2023 Record: 3-2

Career Record: 179-68

Resume: Two-time AP Coach Of The Year, took Notre Dame to the 2012 BCS National Championship

Jimbo Fisher (Texas A&M)

Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher addresses the media at the 2023 SEC Football Kickoff Media Days at the Nashville Grand Hyatt on Broadway, Monday, July 17, 2023. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher addresses the media at the 2023 SEC Football Kickoff Media Days at the Nashville Grand Hyatt on Broadway, Monday, July 17, 2023. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

Salary: $9.15 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 126-45

Resume: 2013 National Champion, three-time ACC champion

Mark Stoops (Kentucky)

Sep 30, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/kentucky/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Kentucky Wildcats;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Kentucky Wildcats</a> head coach Mark Stoops walks off the field after the game against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $9.01 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 71-59

Resume: 2018 SEC Coach Of The Year

Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss)

Nov 6, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with a referee after a call during the second half against the Liberty Flames at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with a referee after a call during the second half against the Liberty Flames at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $9 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 89-48

Resume: Two-time Conference USA champion, National Champion as Alabama offensive coordinator in 2015

Josh Heupel (Tennessee)

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during preseason football practice held on UT’s campus on Monday, August 7, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during preseason football practice held on UT’s campus on Monday, August 7, 2023. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK

Salary: $9 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 50-17

Resume: 2022 SEC Coach Of The Year

James Franklin (Penn State)

Penn State head football coach James Franklin looks up at the big screen after a play in the third quarter against <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/iowa/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Iowa;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Iowa</a>.<br>Syndication Hawkcentral

Salary: $8.5 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 107-51

Resume: 2016 Big Ten champion

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)

Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lionsat Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lionsat Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $8.25 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 108-46

Resume: Two-time Big Ten champion, 2011 NFL Coach Of The Year, 2021 AP College Football Coach Of The Year, 2022 Big Ten Coach Of The Year

Mario Cristobal (Miami)

Jan 22, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mario Cristobal reacts while hyping up the crowd during the second half between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mario Cristobal reacts while hyping up the crowd during the second half between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $10.88 million

2023 Record: 4-0

Career Record: 71-67

Resume: Two-time Pac 12 champion, 2019 AP Pac 12 Coach Of The Year

Luke Fickell (Wisconsin)

<a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/wisconsin/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Wisconsin Badgers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Wisconsin Badgers</a> head coach Luke Fickell talks to an official during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.

Salary: $7.63 million

2023 Record: 3-1

Career Record: 67-26

Resume: Two-time AAC champion, three-time AAC Coach Of The Year, 2021 AFCA Coach Of The Year

Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)

Sep 16, 2023; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy takes the field before an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State and South Alabama at Boone Pickens Stadium. South Alabama won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Terry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy takes the field before an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State and South Alabama at Boone Pickens Stadium. South Alabama won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Terry-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $7.63 million

2023 Record: 2-2

Career Record: 158-77

Resume: 2011 Big 12 champion, two-time Big 12 Coach Of The Year, Oklahoma State coach since 2005, in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

Mike Norvell (Florida State)

Sep 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell on the sideline in the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell on the sideline in the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $7.3 million

2023 Record: 4-0

Career Record: 60-32

Resume: 2019 AAC champion

Billy Napier (Florida)

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier tells how proud he is of his team after Blue beat Orange 34-0 as the Florida Gators scrimmaged themselves during the annual Orange and Blue spring game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2022. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2022<br>Oca Orangeandbluegame
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier tells how proud he is of his team after Blue beat Orange 34-0 as the Florida Gators scrimmaged themselves during the annual Orange and Blue spring game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2022. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2022
Oca Orangeandbluegame

Salary: $7.2 million

2023 Record: 3-2

Career Record: 49-21

Resume: Two-time Sun Belt champion, two-time Sun Belt Coach Of The Year

Brent Venables (Oklahoma)

First-year OU football coach Brent Venables works with his team during Thursday’s practice in Norman.
First-year OU football coach Brent Venables works with his team during Thursday’s practice in Norman.

Salary: $7.1 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 11-7

Resume: Two-time National Champion as Clemson defensive coordinator

Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)

Oct 30, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $7 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 190-116

Resume: Iowa coach since 1999, two-time Big Ten champion, four-time Big Ten Coach Of The Year

Dan Lanning (Oregon)

Sep 30, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning walks on the field before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning walks on the field before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $6.62 million

2023 Record: 5-0

Career Record: 15-3

Resume: 2021 National Champion as Georgia defensive coordinator

Hugh Freeze (Auburn)

Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze and athletic director John Cohen pose for photos during Freeze’s introduction at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze and athletic director John Cohen pose for photos during Freeze’s introduction at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Salary: $6.5 million

2023 Record: 3-2

Career Record: 86-45

Resume: 2011 Sun Belt champion

Bret Bielema (Illinois)

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst following the game at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst following the game at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $6.5 million

2023 Record: 2-3

Career Record: 112-73

Resume: Three-time Big Ten champion, 2006 Big Ten Coach Of The Year

Sam Pittman (Arkansas)

Sep 9, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $6.36 million

2023 Record: 2-3

Career Record: 21-20

Resume: 2-0 bowl record at Arkansas, Georgia OL coach from 2016-2019

Kyle Whittingham (Utah)

Apr 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on during the second half of the Utah Spring Football Game at Rice–Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on during the second half of the Utah Spring Football Game at Rice–Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $6.33 million

2023 Record: 4-1

Career Record: 158-75

Resume: Two-time Pac 12 champion, two-time Pac 12 Coach Of The Year

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire