LSU Tigers football salaries reflect dramatic transformation after firing Brian Kelly. Lane Kiffin earns $13 million annually over seven years totaling $91 million, making him college football’s second-highest paid coach behind Kirby Smart.
The Tigers generate $102.9 million in average annual football revenue. LSU’s NIL collective distributed $13 million for 2025 recruiting class after spending just $12 million combined over previous three years.
Brian Kelly’s $54 million buyout plus Kiffin’s new contract means LSU pays three head coaches simultaneously—Kelly, Kiffin, and former coach Ed Orgeron’s remaining payments. The unprecedented financial commitment demonstrates LSU’s championship urgency after Kelly’s 27-17 record failed meeting expectations.
Find out more about the LSU Tigers players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Rickie Collins | Harlem Berry | Aaron Anderson |
| Knox Dyson | Caden Durham | Nic Anderson |
| Colin Hurley | Joseph Ebun | Kylan Billiot |
| Garrett Nussmeier | Ty’son Edwards | Barion Brown |
| AJ Swann | John Emery Jr. | TaRon Francis |
| Ju’Juan Johnson | Trey Holly | Cowinn Helaire |
| Michael Van Buren Jr. | Kaleb Jackson | Destyn Hill |
| DK Kency Jr. | Chris Hilton Jr. | |
| Malachi Lane | Landon Ibieta | |
| JT Lindsey | Noah Nash | |
| Javen Nicholas | Kyle Parker | |
| Isaiah Stone | ||
| Zavion Thomas | ||
| Jelani Watkins | ||
| Phillip Wright III | ||
| Shelton Sampson Jr. |
Top 10 Highest Paid LSU Football Staff 2024-2025
LSU’s coaching staff salaries underwent complete overhaul with Lane Kiffin bringing Ole Miss coordinators while retaining Blake Baker as college football’s highest-paid assistant at $2.5 million annually.
| Rank | Name | Position | Annual Salary | Contract Length | Total Contract Value |
| 1 | Lane Kiffin | Head Coach | $13,000,000 | Through 2032 | $91,000,000 |
| 2 | Blake Baker | Defensive Coordinator | $2,500,000 | Through 2027 | $7,500,000 |
| 3 | Charlie Weis Jr. | Offensive Coordinator | $1,900,000 | Through 2028 | N/A |
| 4 | Frank Wilson | Running Backs | $1,100,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 5 | Joe Sloan | Co-OC/QBs | $1,065,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 6 | Cortez Hankton | Receivers | $1,015,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 7 | Bo Davis | Defensive Line | $900,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 8 | Michael Hodges | Linebackers | $850,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 9 | Jake Flint | Strength & Conditioning | $600,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
| 10 | Slade Nagle | Tight Ends | $525,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
Blake Baker’s $2.5 million defensive coordinator salary remains college football’s highest assistant pay, tied with Auburn’s DJ Durkin.
LSU retained Baker despite firing Kelly, recognizing his elite defensive scheme that ranked 4th in SEC allowing 20.5 points per game in 2024.
Charlie Weis Jr. joins from Ole Miss earning estimated $1.9 million as offensive coordinator. His salary represents $865,000 increase from the combined coordinator system under Kelly, reflecting Kiffin’s preference for singular offensive authority.
LSU’s total assistant pool reaches approximately $11.5 million. This exceeds previous $9.27 million under Kelly by $2.23 million, demonstrating increased financial commitment to elite staff following disappointing 2024 campaign that triggered coaching change.
How Much Does Lane Kiffin Make at LSU?
Lane Kiffin earns $13 million annually over seven years totaling $91 million, college football’s second-highest salary behind Georgia’s Kirby Smart at $13.28 million.
His deal includes potential $4 million national championship bonus temporarily making him highest-paid if winning title.
Kiffin’s buyout stands at 80% of remaining contract if fired without cause. A first-year termination triggers approximately $72.8 million payment through monthly installments continuing through 2032 regardless of future employment, providing unprecedented financial security.
His contract includes performance escalators beyond base salary. LSU structured bonuses rewarding SEC Championship appearances ($300K), CFP qualification ($500K), and national title ($4M), potentially pushing total annual compensation to $17 million.
LSU Football Program Revenue Breakdown 2024-2025
| Revenue Source | Avg Amount | % of Total | Conference Rank | National Rank |
| Media Rights/SEC | $50,000,000 | 48.6% | Tied SEC | Top 15 |
| Ticket Sales | $26,500,000 | 25.7% | 3rd SEC | Top 15 |
| Contributions/Donations | $18,000,000 | 17.5% | 7th SEC | Top 25 |
| Licensing/Merchandise | $6,400,000 | 6.2% | 5th SEC | Top 20 |
| Other Revenue | $2,000,000 | 2.0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total Revenue | $102,900,000 | 100% | 10th SEC | 13th National |
LSU generates approximately $102.9 million in average annual football revenue according to Athletic valuations, ranking 13th nationally and 10th in SEC.
The program’s $1.23 billion valuation ranks 6th in SEC behind Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.
SEC media rights distributed $50 million to LSU, representing 48.6% of football revenue. The conference’s $3 billion 10-year deal provides competitive advantage over ACC’s $32 million distributions but trails Big Ten’s $60-80 million payouts to Ohio State and Michigan.
Tiger Stadium’s 102,321 capacity generates $26.5 million in ticket sales, 3rd highest in SEC. LSU’s passionate Saturday night atmosphere maintains premium pricing despite recent struggles, though sustained losing threatens donation levels currently at $18 million annually.
LSU Top NIL Earners & Collective Spending
| Player Name | Position | Est. NIL Value | Top NIL Deal | Total Deals |
| Bryce Underwood | Quarterback | $2,000,000+ | LSU Collective | Multiple |
| Kyren Lacy | Wide Receiver | $500,000 | Regional partners | 3+ deals |
| Whit Weeks | Linebacker | $400,000 | Local businesses | 2+ deals |
| Harold Perkins | Edge Rusher | $350,000 | Multiple brands | 3+ deals |
| Garrett Nussmeier | Quarterback | $300,000 | Regional deals | 2+ deals |
LSU’s Bayou Traditions collective distributed $13 million for 2025 recruiting alone after spending just $12 million combined over 2022-2024 seasons ($2M in 2022, $4M in 2023, $5M in 2024). The dramatic increase reflects “all-in” championship strategy.
Bryce Underwood commands estimated $2+ million annually as nation’s top recruit, reflecting LSU’s aggressive transfer portal strategy.
The five-star QB’s NIL package demonstrates LSU competing financially with Texas ($22M total), Ohio State ($20M), and Georgia ($18M).
Brian Kelly stated LSU allocated $26.5 million combined for 2024-2026 rosters before firing. LSU now commits $25-30 million annually for roster enhancements under revenue-sharing model plus NIL funding, positioning Tigers among college football’s highest-spending programs.
What Do LSU Assistant Coaches Earn?
Blake Baker’s $2.5 million defensive coordinator salary ties Auburn’s DJ Durkin as college football’s highest-paid assistant, trailing only Penn State’s Jim Knowles at $3.1 million. His retention despite Kelly’s firing proves LSU recognizes elite defensive talent regardless of coaching changes.
Charlie Weis Jr. earns estimated $1.9 million as offensive coordinator after joining from Ole Miss. His salary ranks 10th nationally among coordinators, reflecting Kiffin’s offensive philosophy requiring singular coordinator authority rather than split responsibilities.
Position coaches earn $525,000-$1.1 million annually. Frank Wilson’s $1.1 million running backs salary leads position coaches, while multiple assistants exceed $1 million reflecting LSU’s investment in recruiting-focused staff competing across elite SEC territory.
LSU vs Alabama: Which Program Spends More?
Lane Kiffin’s $13 million salary exceeds Kalen DeBoer’s $10.25 million by $2.75 million annually, making LSU’s head coach compensation 27% higher. However, LSU simultaneously pays Brian Kelly’s $54 million buyout creating unprecedented financial burden through 2031.
Coordinator spending shows LSU dominance. Blake Baker’s $2.5 million tops Alabama DC Kane Wommack’s $1.7 million by $800,000, while LSU’s combined coordinator salaries ($4.4M) exceed Alabama’s ($2.7M) by $1.7 million.
NIL spending reportedly favors LSU currently. The Tigers’ $13 million 2025 NIL investment plus $25-30 million annual roster budget exceeds Alabama’s sub-$20 million collective funding by potentially $15-20 million, creating recruiting advantage if sustained financially.
FAQs
How much does Lane Kiffin make at LSU?
Lane Kiffin earns $13 million annually over seven years totaling $91 million, college football’s second-highest salary. His 80% buyout equals approximately $72.8 million if fired after year one.
How much NIL money do LSU players get?
LSU’s Bayou Traditions collective distributed $13 million for 2025 recruiting class alone. Five-star QB Bryce Underwood leads with estimated $2+ million annually through comprehensive NIL package.
What is Blake Baker’s salary?
Blake Baker earns $2.5 million as LSU’s defensive coordinator through 2027, tied as college football’s highest-paid assistant with Auburn’s DJ Durkin behind only Penn State’s Jim Knowles at $3.1M.
How much does LSU pay Brian Kelly’s buyout?
LSU pays Brian Kelly’s full $54 million buyout through monthly installments. Combined with Lane Kiffin’s $91 million contract, LSU commits $145 million to current and former coaches.
