Baylor, Maryland, and NC State face combined buyout costs exceeding $32 million after firing head coaches
Three Power Four programs dismissed their head football coaches in late October, each facing significant financial obligations. Baylor fired Dave Aranda after seven seasons and a 40-40 record, with his buyout reported to be approximately $12 million. Maryland owes outgoing coach Mike Locksley roughly $9.75 million with no offsets, half of which is due within sixty days, after he finished with a 2-5 record through seven games. NC State let go of Dave Doeren following 14 seasons and will pay approximately $10.3 million on a contract that ran through 2029, with over $600,000 due within 30 days and the rest in monthly installments, though a mitigation clause could reduce the total if Doeren finds other employment.
NC State will pay approximately $10.3 million to buy out the remainder of a contract set to run through 2029.
Why it matters
For coaches: Outgoing coaches and their agents should note differing offset and mitigation clauses across these contracts, as they directly affect final payout totals.
For athletes: Players at Baylor, Maryland, and NC State face coaching transitions mid-season, which may influence their transfer portal decisions.
For collectives: Boosters and collectives at these schools may face increased financial pressure as programs redirect resources toward buyouts and new coaching hires.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · John Talty: The buyout economics of the 2026-27 coaching carousel: Baylor, NC State face stiff payouts
- Yahoo Sports college football: Baylor fires Dave Aranda after Kansas loss, names defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman interim coach
- CBS Sports · Shehan Jeyarajah: Baylor fires Dave Aranda: Lincoln Riley, Spencer Danielson among candidates to replace 7th-year coach
- The Athletic: Dave Aranda out at Baylor, unable to recreate early-tenure success