One month after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized Brian Kelly’s hefty contract at LSU, the school has made headlines again by offering Lane Kiffin a more lucrative deal. The new contract, as reported by The Athletic, promises Kiffin an annual salary of $13 million for the next seven years, surpassing Kelly’s $10.1 million.
What’s notable is the buyout clause. If Kiffin leaves without cause, LSU owes him 80% of his remaining salary, which can start at a staggering $62.4 million after the 2026 season. In contrast, Kelly’s buyout was $54 million but required him to mitigate, meaning he had to seek other coaching positions to reduce LSU’s payout. Kiffin won’t face this obligation.
Governor Landry had previously expressed his concern over such large financial commitments. He remarked, “We are not doing that again,” showing the state’s push for smarter financial decisions moving forward. Interestingly, Landry had indicated that the next coach would be under a very different contract.
However, the terms of Kiffin’s contract include something unique. It allows him to receive any playoff bonuses he could have earned while at Ole Miss, which could range from $150,000 for mere participation to $1 million for winning the national title. This means if Ole Miss, under new head coach Pete Golding, makes a playoff run, Kiffin benefits financially from it.
Moreover, if Kiffin wins a national championship with LSU, his contract escalates, making him the highest-paid coach in college football—but this happens only once.
Interestingly, the current landscape of college football salaries shows a trend toward increasing pay for coaches. According to recent statistics from the NCAA, college football coaching salaries have been on an upward climb, with top coaches earning in excess of $10 million annually. This reflects how competitive the sport has become, leading schools to make extravagant offers to secure talent.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to these contracts, with many fans expressing mixed feelings. Some view the investments as necessary for the success of the programs, while others question the fairness of these financial commitments in light of broader economic challenges.
In summary, LSU’s latest move to secure Lane Kiffin is indicative of a larger trend in college football, sparking both excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike. For more updates on college football coaching salaries and contracts, you can check out NCAA’s official reports.
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