USA Today came out with its updated list of the highest paid coaches in college football on Wednesday.
Butch Jones, who currently leads the No. 18-ranked Vols, appropriately came in 18th on the list with a listed total compensation of $4,110,000 for this contract year.
Jones checks in eighth among active head coaches in the SEC, though he’s ninth overall with former LSU head coach Les Miles’ deal factored in. Jones’ compensation is right on par with Florida’s Jim McElwain, MSU’s Dan Mullen and Bret Bielema of Arkansas – all of whom have listed total compensations within a $170,000 of what Jones is paid.
Tennessee announced a $500,000 raise for Jones following an 8-4 campaign in the 2015 regular season. Since that point, Jones recorded another bowl victory and started UT 5-0 in 2016 before dropping consecutive games to top-10 opponents Texas A&M and Alabama. The Vols currently sit at 5-2 (2-2 SEC) and can win the SEC East by winning out in conference play and getting at least one conference loss from Florida down the stretch.
Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh leads the way nationally with total pay just over $9,000,000. Alabama’s Nick Saban and Ohio State’s Urban Meyer round out the top three. All three of those coaches currently sit in the top-10 of the major polls and squarely in contention for the College Football Playoffs.
