USC reportedly willing to pay $6 million for next coach

The USC Trojans are willing to spend big money on their next football coach, which should not come as a surprise.

ESPN’s Travis Haney reported on Friday that an industry source told him USC is willing to spend up to $6 million on its next coach. That meshes with what LA Daily News reporter Scott Wolf said. In the same article where Wolf reported that Kevin Sumlin is the school’s top target, he also said USC could probably double Sumlin’s current $3.1 million salary.

Nick Saban currently is the highest-paid coach in the country at over $5.5 million, per USA Today (full database). He reportedly will surpass the $6 million mark if Bama wins the SEC championship game and plays in the BCS National Championship Game this season. Mack Brown is the other coach close to that mark. He’s reportedly earning $5.4 million this season. A number of other coaches, such as Brady Hoke, Les Miles, Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer, are making in the $4 million range.

USC is one of the premier college football programs in the country and has an excellent history and tradition of winning. They’re looking to return the program to the levels of success enjoyed under Pete Carroll. $6 million per season for a coach would be a worthwhile investment for the school if they’re able to return to that level of national prominence.

Helmet smack to College Football Talk