These five coaches are worth every bit of their contract for the impact they’ve had on their respective college football programs.
What is a coach worth in college football? In some places — especially those without professional sports — it’s everything. Legend has it that Paul “Bear” Bryant could have actually been governor of Alabama in his heyday.
Unlike the NFL, college coaches have so much responsibility as it concerns their programs. First, they are the face of the football program and, in some cases, the entire athletic department.
Coaches have to help raise funds for the athletic department, which means schmoozing the boosters, regents, alums and anyone else willing to fund what has become the college football arms race.
Then, of course, is the football stuff. How well do they recruit? More specifically, how well do they recruit in their given environment? How well put together is their staff? Do they handle the media well?
All of these are key characteristics of a head coach that is worth every penny they earn.