Since Lincoln Riley was hired as the USC Trojans’ head coach, much has been made about his contract. Since USC is a private institution, the contract figures are not public, but it is estimated that he makes around $10 million annually.
This contract puts Riley in the Top 10 highest-paid college football coaches just ahead of the likes of Brian Kelly (LSU), Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Mark Stoops (Kentucky), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), and Josh Heupel (Tennessee).
It puts him equal with or behind Mike Norvell (FSU), Bill Belichick (North Carolina), Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Ryan Day (Ohio State), and the highest paid coach in College Football ($13.2 million) Kirby Smart (Georgia).
Now, there is a new coach to add to the list, and he will make more than Riley annually.
Per On3, the Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning have agreed to a six-year contract extension that will pay him $11 million annually. By annual figures, this will make him the 4th highest-paid coach in college football.
BREAKING: Oregon and Dan Lanning have agreed to a 6-year contract averaging nearly $11M per year, @RossDellenger reports💰
— On3 (@On3sports) March 6, 2025
The new deal increases his annual pay by $2M and makes him a Top 5 paid head coach📈https://t.co/9Rw0PtiFRj pic.twitter.com/givkOCcrGU
USC Trojans Rival Dan Lanning Surpases Lincoln Riley’s Contract Earnings
Lanning took over a program from Mario Cristobal that was in a very good spot, but he has elevated it to greater heights. After going 22-5 in his first two seasons, the Ducks went 13-1 last year, reaching the College Football Quarterfinal, where they would lose to the eventual National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.
Also Read: USC Trojans Chasing Georgia Bulldogs And Other Top Southeast Schools For No. 1 DL Prospect
While many will credit the deep pocket books that Oregon NIL has, Lanning has recruited at an elite level and is continually competing with USC for California talent. Oregon is still in pursuit of its first ever National Championship, and this contract demonstrates their belief that Lanning can bring them one.
The USC Trojans will face Oregon in Eugene next season on November 22. Depending on how the season plays out, the matchup could decide who goes to the Big Ten Championship.