The recent contract details for UCLA's new head football coach, Bob Chesney, reveal an interesting financial arrangement that could be quite beneficial for the university’s struggling football program.
Chesney has signed a five-year deal worth $33.75 million, which breaks down to an average annual salary of $6.75 million. Surprisingly, this figure does not place him among the top 35 coaching salaries in college football, according to the latest data from USA Today. In fact, his salary sits just below Arkansas' Sam Pittman, who will earn $6.81 million in 2025, ranking 35th, while it surpasses Auburn's Hugh Freeze, whose salary is $6.73 million, landing him at 36th.
According to a report from the California Post, Chesney’s contract features incremental increases over the years: starting at $5.4 million in the first year, rising to $5.5 million in the second, and so on, reaching $5.8 million by the fifth year. Additionally, he will receive a hiring bonus amounting to $3.7 million, with an initial payment of $2.65 million due by February 2, and the remaining balance by March 2.
One notable aspect of his contract is the buyout clause, which stipulates that if Chesney is dismissed without cause, he would be entitled to 75% of his base salary and talent fee for the remainder of the contract. There’s also a mitigation clause requiring him to seek other employment, which could mitigate any buyout amount owed. If Chesney were to leave for another position before December 21, 2026, he would need to pay UCLA $8 million. This amount decreases over time, dropping to $5 million by December 31, 2027, and further down to $1 million by December 31, 2030.
A retention bonus of $550,000 is included as well, provided he remains in his role until February 15, 2027, with similar bonuses on that date each subsequent year for the duration of his contract. He may also earn up to $100,000 annually from hosting football camps or clinics, and his family will enjoy access to a suite at all home games, along with complimentary tickets to other UCLA sporting events.
Chesney’s contract also outlines performance incentives, including $50,000 for winning six games in a season, escalating to $350,000 for winning ten games. If the Bruins reach the Big Ten championship game, he stands to gain an additional $200,000; a win in that game would net him the same amount. Furthermore, should UCLA participate in a non-playoff bowl game, he would earn $100,000, with a victory yielding another $100,000.
A remarkable achievement like making it to the College Football Playoff would grant Chesney $300,000, plus $150,000 for each playoff game victory and an additional $200,000 for a national championship win. If the team finishes in the top 10 of the Associated Press rankings, he would receive $50,000, while a top-five finish would double that bonus to $100,000.
Additionally, if Chesney were to be recognized as Big Ten Coach of the Year by the conference, AP, or American Football Coaches Association, he would earn a $50,000 bonus, with a $100,000 reward for winning the national Coach of the Year title.
In terms of his coaching staff, offensive coordinator Colin Hitschler has secured a three-year contract averaging $1.6 million per year, inclusive of hiring and retention bonuses. Defensive coordinator Dean Kennedy has a two-year deal with an average salary of $1.34 million. Most other assistant coaches have also received two-year contracts.
For example, Chris Smith, the offensive line coach, will average $845,000 annually, while Chris Grautski, the director of athletic performance, will earn $725,000 per year. Other salaries include: Drew Canan at $637,500, Legi Suiaunoa at $550,000, Vic So’oto at $500,000, Eddie Whitley Jr. and Anthony DiMichele both at $475,000, A.J. Steward at $405,000, Colin Lockett at approximately $316,667, and Gabe Lynn at $300,000.
The general manager, Darrick Yray, is under a two-year contract paying him $475,000 per year, while defensive ends coach Sam Daniels has a one-year contract worth $450,000, and chief of staff Matt Transue is set to earn $350,000 for his one-year contract.
These financial details present a compelling picture of how UCLA is investing in its football program, but it also raises questions about the sustainability and efficiency of such expenditures in the context of college sports. What do you think about these figures? Is this a sound investment for UCLA, or are there concerns about the direction of college athletics? Share your thoughts below!
