Today, top college football coaches consistently earn millions of dollars each year in salaries. However, coaches at lower-tier universities or smaller programs do not earn nearly as much. Being a college football coach remains a lucrative career, but many do not earn as much as fans might assume. So, who are the lowest paid college football coaches? Below are the 10 lowest-paid college football coaches researched and compiled by win tips bet. We invite you to follow along.
Top lowest-paid college football coaches
1. Terry Bowden, UL Monroe, $435,400
In the most recent release of college football coaches' salaries by USA Today, one name stands out at the bottom of the list. Terry Bowden, currently serving as the head coach for the University of Louisiana Monroe (UL Monroe), is ranked 119th, earning the lowest salary among all college football coaches. His annual salary is $435,400, placing him in the bottom tier of compensation in the highly competitive field of college football.
Terry Bowden is in his third season at UL Monroe, and his coaching tenure has been marked by a challenging start, with his team posting a losing record in both of his first two seasons. Since assuming the head coaching role, Bowden has led UL Monroe to a 10-21 record.
Despite the struggles, Bowden brings a wealth of coaching experience. Before joining UL Monroe, he coached at multiple programs, including Akron, North Alabama, Auburn, Samford, and Salem.
Bowden's coaching journey reflects a commitment to the sport and a willingness to take on diverse challenges in collegiate football programs. As the lowest-paid coach in the NCAA, Bowden has demonstrated an ability to lead and develop teams under financial constraints, adding another layer to his coaching narrative. Bowden's coaching philosophy and experience will be crucial to UL Monroe's growth and performance in future seasons.
2. Kenni Burns, Kent State, $527,100
Kenni Burns, the head coach at Kent State, holds the second spot on the list of lowest-paid college football coaches, earning an annual salary of $527,100, according to a recent report by USA Today.
In his inaugural season as a college football coach, Burns faces the challenge of leading Kent State through its season.
With a salary that places him among the lowest-paid coaches, Kenni Burns steps into his first year as a college football head coach. Under his leadership, Kent State has started the season with a 1-7 record, highlighting the challenges that often accompany a coaching debut.
Burns' coaching journey is just beginning, and the financial constraints associated with his position add a layer to the complexities he navigates in his new role. Despite the team's struggles early in the season, he brings a fresh approach to the Kent State football program. His ability to shape and guide the team despite financial constraints will be closely watched as he continues to gain experience and make his mark in college football coaching. The challenges of a debut season, combined with a modest salary, highlight Burns' commitment and passion for developing Kent State's football program.
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3. Scot Loeffler, Bowling Green, $560,000
Scot Loeffler, currently leading Bowling Green's football program, is the third-lowest-paid college football coach with an annual salary of $560,000, according to USA Today's recent salary report. In his fifth season at Bowling Green, Loeffler has navigated the challenges of his first head coaching role despite financial constraints compared to his peers.
Despite being in his first head coaching position, Loeffler has accumulated valuable experience during his time at Bowling Green. The team's performance under his leadership is reflected in a 17-33 record, highlighting the challenges of building and developing a program.
Loeffler's coaching journey includes both successes and challenges as he continues to steer Bowling Green through the competitive landscape of college football. The modest compensation Loeffler receives compared to his peers is a testament to the financial realities of college football.
As the third-lowest-paid coach, Loeffler demonstrates remarkable dedication to improving Bowling Green's football program. His resilience and commitment to the team's improvement will be closely observed as he continues to shape Bowling Green football in future seasons.
4. Chuch Martin, Miami (Ohio), $575,300
Chuck Martin, currently in his 10th season as head coach at Miami University in Ohio, is the fourth-lowest-paid coach in college football, according to recent salary data from USA Today. Despite his decade-long tenure with the RedHawks, Martin's compensation places him among coaches with modest salaries in the competitive world of college football.
Throughout his coaching career at Miami University, Chuck Martin has faced financial constraints in comparison with many of his coaching counterparts. Despite this, he has amassed 51 wins and 61 losses with the RedHawks, showcasing his ability to navigate challenges and contribute to the team's development. Before assuming leadership at Miami in 2014, Martin served as the head coach of Grand Valley State from 2004 to 2009, further adding to his coaching experience.
Martin's long coaching tenure at Miami University contrasted with his lower compensation, highlights the financial intricacies within college football coaching. His dedication to the RedHawks' program and his ability to achieve a respectable record under these circumstances underscore his coaching acumen and commitment to building competitive football teams. As he continues to lead Miami University, his coaching journey will be closely watched for its long-term impact on the program.
5. Chris Creighton, Eastern Michigan, $590,000
Chris Creighton, currently at the helm of Eastern Michigan's football program, is the fifth-lowest-paid college football coach, earning a reported salary of $590,000 in 2023, according to recent data released by USA Today. In his tenth season with Eastern Michigan, Creighton's compensation reflects the financial dynamics of collegiate football coaching.
Despite being among the coaches with modest salaries, Chris Creighton has made a notable impact at Eastern Michigan. With a coaching record of 50 wins and 65 losses, he has led the Eagles to five bowl games, demonstrating the team's competitiveness on the national stage.
However, the team's record in bowl games stands at 1-4, which highlights the challenges and triumphs of postseason play. Creighton's ability to guide Eastern Michigan to bowl appearances underscores his coaching acumen and the program's resilience under his leadership.
The financial constraints associated with his compensation emphasize the dedication and commitment he demonstrates in developing a competitive football program. As Creighton continues to navigate the challenges of collegiate coaching, his impact on Eastern Michigan's football program remains an important part of the school's athletic history.
6. K.C. Keeler, Sam Houston State, $600,000
K.C. Keeler, currently in his 10th season as head coach at Sam Houston State, earned a reported salary of $600,000 in 2023, making him one of the lower-paid coaches in college football. Keeler's coaching journey spans several decades, beginning in 1993, and includes head coaching roles at Rowan, Delaware, and now Sam Houston State.
During his tenure with the Bearkats, K.C. Keeler has established a noteworthy coaching record, with a record of 85 wins and 34 losses as the head coach. Despite his success over the years, the 2023 season has presented unique challenges, as the Bearkats hold a 0-7 record.
Keeler's coaching acumen and experience have significantly shaped the programs he has led. His ability to navigate both successes and setbacks, evident in the Bearkats' historic achievements and current struggles, highlights the complexities of collegiate coaching. As Keeler continues his coaching journey, the resilience he demonstrates and his dedication to shaping competitive football programs will likely remain central to his legacy in college football coaching.
7. Jerry Kill, New Mexico State, $600,000
Jerry Kill is tied with K.C. Keeler as the sixth-lowest-paid coach in college football, both earning $600,000, according to recent salary data. Currently in his second season as the head coach of New Mexico State, Kill has built a coaching journey marked by diverse experiences and leadership roles at various institutions.
Before assuming the head coaching role at New Mexico State, Jerry Kill served as the interim head coach at TCU for four games, further adding to his wealth of coaching experience. His extensive career includes leading programs at Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Emporia State, and Saginaw Valley State. This diverse coaching background demonstrates Kill's versatility and adaptability as a leader in college football.
Being tied as the sixth lowest-paid coach highlights the financial landscape of college football. Despite his modest salary, Jerry Kill brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to New Mexico State, providing stability and guidance to the Aggies as they compete in college football. Kill's impact on the program, combined with his commitment to player development and success, is a defining element of his coaching legacy.
8. Timmy Chang, Hawaii, $600,006
Timmy Chang, now in his second season as head coach of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, ranks eighth among the lowest-paid college football coaches. According to recent salary data, he earns $600,006 annually. Chang brings a unique perspective to his coaching role, drawing from his experience as the Rainbow Warriors' quarterback from 2000 to 2004.
Despite his connection to the program as a former player, Chang has compiled a coaching record of 5 wins and 16 losses during his tenure. The 2023 season has been highly competitive, with the Rainbow Warriors holding a 2-6 record, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of leading a collegiate football team.
Timmy Chang's dual role as a former player and current head coach adds a unique dimension to his coaching journey. As he navigates the complexities of coaching, his commitment to the Rainbow Warriors and his efforts to bring success to the program are likely to be closely monitored by fans and stakeholders alike. The modest compensation underscores the financial constraints in college football, but Chang's impact on the team's development remains a significant aspect of his coaching journey.
9. Joe Moorhead, Akron, $620,000
Joe Moorhead, the current head coach of Akron, receives a reported salary of $620,000, positioning him within the financial spectrum of college football. In his second season at Akron, Moorhead faces the challenges of rebuilding and developing the program, with a coaching record of 3 wins and 17 losses.
Before taking on his role at Akron, Joe Moorhead gained experience as the head coach of Mississippi State for two seasons (2018–2019), achieving a record of 14 wins and 12 losses. His coaching journey began in 2012 when he secured his first head coaching position at Fordham, where he spent four seasons and posted an impressive 38–13 record.
Moorhead's coaching trajectory, marked by his success at Fordham and experience in the SEC with Mississippi State, demonstrates his coaching versatility and adaptability. The challenges he faces at Akron highlight the complexity of college football coaching, as each program comes with its unique circumstances and opportunities. As Moorhead continues to shape Akron's football program, his experience and strategic approach will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future.
10. Tim Albin, Ohio, $651,500
Tim Albin, the head coach of Ohio, ranks last among the lowest-paid college football coaches with a reported salary of $651,500. Now in his third season with the Bobcats, Albin applies his coaching expertise as he builds on the team's recent success.
Notably, Ohio reached the Mid-American Conference championship game under Albin's leadership last season, which showcased the positive trajectory of the program. The Bobcats' presence in the conference championship game underscores Albin's ability to guide the team to competitive success within its conference.
As the lowest-paid coach on this list, Albin earns a salary that reflects the financial dynamics within college football coaching. However, his impact on Ohio's football program, as evidenced by a notable appearance in the conference championship, highlights the value and strategic acumen that he brings to the coaching role. As Albin continues his tenure with the Bobcats, his ability to maintain and build upon the team's success will play a crucial role in his coaching legacy.
Conclusion
Through the above article, we have shared with you the 10 lowest paid college football coaches. Among the lowest-paid college coaches, salary figures often reflect the challenges and difficulties they face in building and growing their football programs. While low salaries can create a financial strain, these coaches demonstrate strong commitment and passion in shaping the future of their college teams. Their dedication demonstrated through results on the field and their ability to build strong football communities, are important factors that contribute to the value they bring to universities.
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