A year after signing a megadeal and extension at Alabama, Nick Saban was confirmed to be the highest-paid coach in college football with a yearly compensation figure of $11.4 million. His buyout, as of Dec. 1, 2023, is the 10th-most in the sport at $44.8 million.

The figures come from the annual USA Today database of salaries for Division I head coaches.

Next on the list was Clemson’s Dabo Swinney ($10.88 million), Georgia’s Kirby Smart ($10.7 million) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($10.27 million). Former Michigan State coach Mel Tucker, who was fired in late September, reportedly earned $10.01 million and was fourth. First-year Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is set to make $6.5 million (20th overall).

UA System trustees’ compensation committee approved Saban’s new contract last August. It runs through 2029 when Saban will be 78 years old. It was the eighth update in his 17-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. Saban received $300,000 in bonuses from the 2022-23 season. The Tide went 11-2 and won the Sugar Bowl.

Per AL.com’s analysis of Saban’s contract, the head coach will earn an $800,000 completion bonus through 2025. It’s not clear if his $44.8 million buyout, should he be fired with cause, would be paid in on lump sum or over time. Like most agreements, Saban’s rate increases over time. By 2029, Saban will earn $12.7 million.

In addition to the yearly talent increases and bonus opportunities, Saban should remain one of the most well-compensated figureheads in the college game. His agent Jimmy Sexton has negotiated deals for Saban, Kirby Smart, Jimbo Fisher and other Southeastern Conference coaches in the past. Saban’s first UA contract in 2007 paid out $5.7 million, when adjusted for inflation.

A few schools are immune from public record requests and USA Today wasn’t able to calculate their salaries. Those notable coaches include Lincoln Riley (Southern California), Marcus Freeman (Duke) and Mario Cristobal (Miami).

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].