It seems to be a top story each and every year when the head coach salary database is released from USA TODAY Sports. There is a special interest for the Auburn Tigers fanbase when it comes to their head coach.
Bryan Harsin has been on hot seat watch since the February coup attempt by the administration. He currently ranks 10th in the SEC in terms of annual salary, but if the brass removes him, how much will it cost them?
While it seems a foregone conclusion, we can try to look at some of the names that have already been associated with Auburn for the job. Hugh Freeze currently makes $2.1 million for Liberty with no buyout cost per the database. Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss also has no buyout cost.
A look at how each SEC head coaches salary and buyout as of Dec. 1, 2022, breaks down.
1
Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $10,957,000
2022 Buyout: $43,200,000
2
Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
Joshua L Jones-USA TODAY Network
2022 Salary: $10,253,600
2022 Buyout: $103,104,167
3
Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $9,810,000
2022 Buyout: $78,622,917
4
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M Aggies
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $9 million
2022 Buyout: $86.7 million
5
Billy Napier, Florida Gators
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $7,270,000
2022 Buyout: $39,000,833
6
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $7,250,000
2022 Buyout: Not listed
7
Mark Stoops, Kentucky Wildcats
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
2022 Salary: $6,763,600
2022 Buyout: $31,078,125