Alabama lured Nick Saban back to college football in January 2007 with an eight-year, $32-million contract. Even when adjusted for inflation, that deal would be worth approximately $45.7 million in 2022 dollars, an average of $5.7 million per season.
Saban will make double that amount – not including incentives and other benefits – in 2022 as he chases a seventh national championship in 16 years as Crimson Tide head coach. And he's favored to do so, sitting atop futures odds in college football betting.
Here are the highest-paid college football coaches (not including incentives and other benefits) for 2022:
Highest-Paid College Football Coaches, 2022
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| Rank | Coach | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Saban | Alabama | $10.7 million |
| 2 | Kirby Smart | Georgia | $10.25 million |
| 3 | Lincoln Riley | USC | $10 million |
| 4(t) | Mel Tucker | Michigan State | $9.5 million |
| 4(t) | Ryan Day | Ohio State | $9.5 million |
| 4(t) | Brian Kelly | LSU | $9.5 million |
| 7 | Jimbo Fisher | Texas A&M | $9.5 million |
| 7(t) | David Shaw | Stanford | $9 million |
| 9 | Dabo Swinney | Clemson | $8.37 million |
| 10 | Mario Cristobal | Oregon | $8 million |
Saban signed a new eight-year deal in August worth $93.6 million in base annual compensation. His annual base salary is still low six figures but a talent fee, which comprises most of his annual compensation, is $9.595 million for 2022.