USA Today on Wednesday presented its yearly examination of college football assistant coaching salaries. In 2024, the Gophers stood at 15th among the 15 Big Ten teams that are obligated to report, with a total of $4.599 million allocated to 10 assistants. This significant data provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of college football coaching.

Uncover the Salaries of College Football Assistant Coaches

Ohio State's Dominance in Assistant Coaching Salaries

In 2024, Ohio State led the nation and the Big Ten with an astonishing assistant coaching pool of $11.425 million. This remarkable figure showcases the university's commitment to building a top-notch coaching staff. It indicates that Ohio State values excellence in coaching and is willing to invest heavily to achieve that goal. Such a substantial salary pool allows the coaching staff to attract the best talent and provide the necessary resources for the team's success.Moreover, being at the top of the salary rankings gives Ohio State a competitive edge. It attracts high-caliber assistant coaches who bring their expertise and experience to the program. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the performance of the team on the field. The investment in coaching salaries reflects Ohio State's determination to be a dominant force in college football.

Georgia, Clemson, and Alabama in the Salary Race

Following closely behind Ohio State are Georgia, Clemson, and Alabama. These renowned football programs also recognize the importance of having a strong coaching staff and are willing to allocate significant funds to attract and retain top assistants. Georgia's salary allocation, Clemson's financial commitment, and Alabama's investment all contribute to the fierce competition among these powerhouse teams.Each of these programs has a rich history and a reputation for excellence. By offering competitive salaries, they are able to attract coaches with the skills and knowledge needed to take their teams to the next level. The salaries of these assistant coaches play a crucial role in shaping the future of these programs and ensuring their continued success.

The Gophers' Position in the Big Ten

The Gophers, with a total of $4.599 million for 10 assistants in 2024, ranked 15th among the Big Ten teams. While they may not be at the top of the salary list, their performance on the field is noteworthy. One of the Gophers' assistants, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, has made significant contributions.Hetherman, a former Rutgers linebacker coach, just completed his first regular season with the Gophers. During this time, he helped the team rank fifth in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing only 290.9 yards per game. Additionally, the team ranked sixth in scoring defense, conceding only 17.5 points per game. These impressive defensive rankings demonstrate Hetherman's coaching abilities and the impact he has had on the team.His 2024 base and supplemental pay was $850,000, and he received a $140,000 raise to $1 million for 2025 and 2026. In addition, he will earn an additional $200,000 in a retention bonus each year if he remains with the team, bringing his total annual compensation to $1.19 million. This significant increase in pay reflects the value that the Gophers place on Hetherman's coaching and his role in the team's success.The Gophers coach, P.J. Fleck, credited Hetherman and the administration for making the deal. This recognition highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success in college football. Fleck's praise for Hetherman shows that he values the coach's contributions and is committed to supporting him in his role.Overall, the analysis of college football assistant coaching salaries provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of the sport. It shows how different programs prioritize coaching and the impact that salaries can have on team performance. Whether it's the dominance of Ohio State or the achievements of the Gophers, these salaries play a crucial role in shaping the future of college football.