College sports are big business in the United States, and the coaches at the helm of NCAA Division 1 teams are some of the top earners in the industry. But just how much money do Division 1 head coaches make? The answer varies greatly depending on the sport, region, and school.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the salaries of Division 1 head coaches, examining the differences between sports, regions, and schools. We’ll also explore how coaches’ salaries have changed over time, and what the future may hold for these highly-paid professionals.
Overview of Division 1 Head Coaches’ Salaries
The salaries of Division 1 head coaches vary widely, but on average, they make more than $1 million per year. The highest-paid head coach in college sports is Alabama’s Nick Saban, who makes an annual salary of more than $11 million.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-paid head coach in Division 1 is Florida International’s Butch Davis, who makes just over $400,000 per year.
Salaries by Sport
When it comes to salaries, football and basketball coaches tend to make the most money. Football head coaches in Division 1 typically make between $500,000 and $5 million per year, while basketball head coaches typically make between $500,000 and $7 million.
The sport with the lowest salaries is baseball. The average salary for a Division 1 baseball head coach is just under $400,000.
Salaries by Region
The region in which a school is located can have a big impact on a head coach’s salary. Schools located in the Northeast and West tend to offer the highest salaries, while schools in the Midwest and South tend to offer lower salaries.
For example, the average salary for a Division 1 head coach in the Northeast is just over $1 million, while the average salary in the Midwest is just under $700,000.
Salaries by School
The school at which a coach is employed can also have a big impact on his or her salary. The highest-paying schools tend to be those in the Power Five conferences: the Big Ten, Pac-12, Big 12, ACC, and SEC.
The average salary for a head coach in the Power Five is just over $2 million, while the average salary for a head coach in a non-Power Five conference is just under $700,000.
Salaries Over Time
Over the past decade, the salaries of Division 1 head coaches have increased drastically. In 2010, the average salary for a head coach in the Power Five was just under $1 million, while in 2019 it was just over $2 million.
The salaries of head coaches in non-Power Five conferences have also seen an increase, though it has not been as drastic. In 2010, the average salary for a head coach in a non-Power Five conference was just over $400,000, while in 2019 it was just under $700,000.
Future of Division 1 Head Coaches’ Salaries
The future of Division 1 head coaches’ salaries looks bright. With the increasing popularity of college sports, especially football and basketball, and the rising salaries of professional coaches, it’s likely that the salaries of Division 1 head coaches will continue to grow.
Conclusion
Division 1 head coaches are some of the highest-paid professionals in college sports. Their salaries vary widely depending on the sport, region, and school, but on average, they make more than $1 million per year. Over the past decade, their salaries have increased drastically, and it’s likely that this trend will continue in the future.