A costly trend in college football
Mid‑season firings are becoming a pricey reality for Power‑5 programs. So far this year, three head coaches have been let go, and their buyout agreements total roughly $32 million.
Who’s been dismissed and what they’ll receive
- **Dave Aranda – Baylor** – The Bears ended a close opening loss to Auburn and later suffered conference defeats that prompted the school to part ways with Aranda. His contract calls for a buyout of about **$12 million**.
- **Dave Doeren – North Carolina State** – After a shaky start to the 2024 campaign, NC State terminated Doeren’s contract. The university owes him **$10.3 million**, with a portion due within a month of his dismissal.
- **Mike Locksley – Maryland** – Following a homecoming loss to Rutgers, Maryland released Locksley. He will collect **$9.75 million** from the school, on top of his existing salary.
Why the payouts matter to SuperOlic readers
SuperOlic’s audience follows the business side of sports as much as the on‑field action. These buyouts illustrate how quickly a program’s financial commitments can shift, affecting budgets that might otherwise support facilities, scholarships, or fan experiences. The collective $32 million mirrors last season’s record $228 million in coach buyouts, suggesting that the total will keep climbing as more changes occur.
What’s next?
With the season only halfway through, more firings could push the total even higher. Schools often include clauses that let coaches offset some of the cost by landing new jobs, but the immediate financial hit remains significant.
**Bottom line:** The high price of coaching turnover underscores the pressure on Power‑5 programs to deliver results quickly, a dynamic that directly influences the broader landscape of college football.