Jim Harbaugh’s pay and Kalen DeBoer’s: How the Washington coach’s deal stacks up against Michigan’s

If we’ve ever witnessed David vs Goliath, Washington vs. Michigan is it.

The Pac-12 champions, who are unbeaten for the first time in thirty-two years, had been the underdogs for the entire season. A sneak peek at the conference realignment for the upcoming season occurs as Washington plays the three-time Big Ten champions. In the CFP finale, everything is up for grabs this time.

Without a doubt, Jim Harbaugh has been the talk of the league this season. The Wolverines won their first CFP semifinal game under him for a chance at the championship, in spite of controversies and bans. In just two seasons, however, Kalen DeBoer has elevated the Huskies from a 4–8 season to a national contender.

MORE: The reasons for Kalen DeBoer’s 2023 Sporting News Coach of the Year nomination

The trophy can only be won by one person. How fitting to finish the era of the four-team playoffs.

The unfair struggle continues with the coaching contracts off the field. How do the contracts of DeBoer and Harbaugh compare?

Salary for Kalen DeBoer

DeBoer makes $4.2 million annually. That ranks 44th nationally, and eighth of all Pac-12 coaches minus Troy Taylor, whose salary at Stanford has not been disclosed. When Washington moves to the Big Ten next season, DeBoer’s contract will rank 15th in the conference.

The Huskies’ coach signed an extension after the 2022 season, his first in Seattle, that gave him a $1 million raise through 2028. It would be surprising if Washington did not lock in its coach with another raise after this season.

Before the CFP began, when asked about another contract extension in the works, DeBoer stated he was focused on the present moment and a delayed contract is simply the result of that.

MORE: Comparing Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy ahead of CFP championship 

Jim Harbaugh salary

Harbaugh’s salary, $8.25 million, ranks third in the Big Ten behind Ryan Day and James Franklin. It’s the 11th-highest salary in the nation, which comes as a bit of a surprise given Michigan’s success over the past three years.

On Dec. 24, he received a contract extension offer from the Wolverines that would bump him up the list and secure his place as one of the highest-paid college football coaches: 10 years for $125 million. He has yet to sign it, though, as it comes with a catch. He is not allowed to accept an NFL coaching position for the 2024 season.

MORE: Michigan offers Jim Harbaugh new deal with clause preventing NFL move in 2024

Rumors of Harbaugh’s exit from college football intensified as the season came to a close. Maybe believe he could leave his alma mater for a job in the NFL next season. There’s no doubt that if Harbaugh does leave Michigan, the drama-filled season in Ann Arbor, which included an NCAA investigation

Presumably, with six of the ten highest incomes, the SEC is the most-paid conference in college football coaching. Things were slightly upended with the departures of Mel Tucker from Michigan State and Jimbo Fischer from Texas A&M., will be a key factor in the decision.

Harbaugh was suspended for a total of six games this season. The three games at the beginning of the season were self-imposed by the Wolverines for recruiting violations, while the three at the end of the regular season were handed down by the Big Ten because of the sign-stealing scandal.

Highest-paid college football coaches in 2024

Presumably, with six of the ten highest incomes, the SEC is the most-paid conference in college football coaching. Things were slightly upended with the departures of Mel Tucker from Michigan State and Jimbo Fischer from Texas A&M.