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College Football coaching salaries 2017: Worth it, not worth it

By Nathaniel Reeves

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 3: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the sidelines in the first half of play against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Jack Trice Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. Northern Iowa Panthers won 25-20 over the Iowa State Cyclones (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 3: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the sidelines in the first half of play against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Jack Trice Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Ames, Iowa. Northern Iowa Panthers won 25-20 over the Iowa State Cyclones (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

Worth it: Matt Campbell 

Campbell has the Cyclones competitive in the Big 12 for the first time in forever, and is making just over $2 million in the process as one of the best bargains in the nation.

Despite spending his playing days on the defensive side of the ball, Campbell broke into the coaching ranks as an offensive coordinator with Division III powerhouse Mount Union in 2005. Following a stop at Bowling Green, Campbell became the coordinator at Toledo in 2010 before replacing Tim Beckman as head coach two years later.

With a 35-15 record over five years, Campbell did a terrific job bringing a Toledo program that had suffered a lot of coaching turnover to new heights. Struggling Iowa State hired Campbell prior to the 2016 season, and he put together a 3-9 debut in the first year of a major rebuilding job.

The Cyclones have been a revelation this year with a 7-5 mark to match their best record since 2005, including wins over playoff contenders Oklahoma and TCU to peak as high as No. 14 in the AP Poll. Campbell has helped transform the Cyclones defense into one of the best units in the Big 12 with a mark of 21 points per game allowed, and is quickly becoming the hottest coaching name on the market.

Iowa State is paying Campbell just $2.1 million to rank 53rd in the nation, and his contributions to the program in two short years have been invaluable. If any other team decides to nab Campbell, Iowa State could be in line for a healthy $9.5 million buyout.

UPDATE: On Monday, Nov. 27, Campbell was rewarded by Iowa State with a contract extension, meaning his salary will get a bump next season.

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