The situation surrounding Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman in recent seasons might have been more about the contract clauses than the performance on the field. A specific clause in his deal tied to his performance from 2021 onward meant that if he won more than half of his games before being dismissed, Arkansas would owe him additional compensation. This unique arrangement became a point of discussion after Pittman was fired following the Razorbacks’ 56-13 loss to Notre Dame on Sept. 27, with a 29-27 record under this agreement (he finished 32-24 overall). However, the decision came with a negotiated buyout, which allowed Arkansas to save approximately $1.5 million.
This move marked the end of one of the most complex buyout clauses in college football in recent years. As the 2025 college football season unfolds, several notable power conference coaching positions are open, prompting schools to evaluate whether they should pay millions to move on from unpopular or unsuccessful coaches. Meanwhile, successful coaches are considering whether this could be the right time to seek better opportunities. The interplay between these decisions and the legal documents involved will keep conversations going beyond the field for months.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most interesting buyout situations across the country in 2025:
College Football’s Most Interesting Buyouts in 2025
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Dabo Swinney, in his 18th season as Clemson’s head coach, has seen his team start the season with a 2-3 record. Interestingly, the cost for Swinney to leave for a school other than Alabama is just $3 million as of Jan. 1, according to his contract. If he were to move to Alabama, the cost would be significantly higher, at $4.5 million. Despite this, Swinney’s potential departure remains a topic of speculation.
James Franklin, Penn State
James Franklin’s performance against top-10 opponents and inability to win the Big Ten has led to some fan dissatisfaction. After a surprising loss to UCLA, the pressure on Franklin has increased. His buyout to leave Penn State drops to $1 million on Jan. 1, but firing him would cost over $48 million as of Dec. 1. Whether this leads to Franklin seeking new opportunities remains to be seen.
Hugh Freeze, Auburn
Hugh Freeze faces challenges in his third year at Auburn, with an unforgiving SEC schedule ahead. The school has a history of paying large sums to coaches who leave, such as Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin. If Auburn were to terminate Freeze’s contract, it would owe him less than $15.4 million as of Dec. 1, with the figure dropping to about $10.5 million after the 2026 season.
Brent Key, Georgia Tech
Brent Key, leading Georgia Tech to a strong turnaround, is an intriguing candidate in the current coaching cycle. His buyout to leave for another school drops from $4 million to $3 million starting Jan. 1. While this may not deter SEC teams, the timing could influence negotiations if neither side is involved in the College Football Playoff.
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State
Kenny Dillingham received a significant raise with a new contract extension, earning over $7.4 million in 2025. His buyout package includes a revised structure, increasing the amount he would owe Arizona State from $2.5 million to $4 million, with a drop to $3 million on Dec. 1, 2027.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Mark Stoops, despite being considered a fringe name on the hot-seat list, could face pressure due to Kentucky’s challenging schedule. If fired without cause, he would receive over $38 million as a buyout. This is a significant sum for the university to cover.
Dan Mullen, UNLV
Dan Mullen, returning to college coaching at UNLV, has a contract that includes liquidated damages. If he were to move to a Power Four conference job, the buyout would be $7 million on or before Dec. 1, decreasing by $1 million annually thereafter.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin continues to perform well at Ole Miss, with a $9 million salary. His contract allows for a $2 million buyout to leave for another job as of Jan. 1. Despite this, Kiffin’s success at Ole Miss makes it unlikely he will seek new opportunities soon.
Matt Campbell, Iowa State
Matt Campbell has never left Iowa State during his 10 seasons, and recently signed a contract extension through 2032. His buyout to leave for another FBS coaching job is just $2 million, making it an attractive option for prospective employers.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Curt Cignetti, who led Indiana to the College Football Playoff in his first season, has a lucrative contract through 2032. The buyout for Indiana to move on from Cignetti is $56.7 million, but Cignetti would owe Indiana $13 million before Dec. 1, which could serve as a deterrent for the next few years.