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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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MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 25: Mike Norvell, head coach of the Memphis Tigers celebrates with Daniel Montiel
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 25: Mike Norvell, head coach of the Memphis Tigers celebrates with Daniel Montiel /

Worth it: Mike Norvell

Norvell has not only managed to keep Memphis afloat after Justin Fuente’s departure but is en route to posting one of the best seasons in school history.

A prolific wide receiver at Central Arkansas, Norvell joined Todd Graham’s coaching staff at Tulsa in 2007 and quickly rose up the ranks to offensive coordinator at Arizona State five years later. The Sun Devils had one of the most prolific offenses in college football during Norvell’s tenure, peaking at 39.7 points per game in 2013, and his presence has been sorely missed over the past two years.

Norvell’s name didn’t come up much on the coaching carousel, but Memphis still hired him prior to the 2016 season after Justin Fuente departed for Virginia Tech. The Tigers went a solid 8-5 in Norvell’s debut campaign, and are now in the hunt for a New Year’s Six berth at 10-1 this year with a win over UCLA and the only loss coming to mighty UCF.

Once again, Norvell is directing a terrific offense that is averaging 47 points per game to rank second in the nation, and has flawlessly replaced quarterback Paxton Lynch with star Riley Ferguson under center. Memphis could set a program record with 11 wins this season, and is only paying $1.86 million in the process.

The nation is finally starting to notice Norvell, and he could soon depart for a Power Five job with Arkansas looking like a potential fit. For now, Memphis is getting an absolute steal by paying Norvell just the 59th-highest salary in college football.

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