Jimbo Fisher, Florida State University
AP Poll rank: 4
Potential payout: $6.6 million
FSU claimed the 2014 national title after a win against Auburn. Fisher could earn $6.6 million if the team repeats that feat this season, with more than $1 million directly tied to the players’ on-field performance, grade point average and graduation rate. The payout matches the 2015 compensation of George Zoley, head of Boca Raton-based GEO Group Inc., an operator of more than 100 prisons and detention centers.
Les Miles, Louisiana State University
AP Poll rank: 5
Potential payout: $5 million
Miles, who has led the LSU Tigers since 2005, would be better-paid than all but a handful of chief executives at public companies based in Louisiana if he earns his full compensation. Albemarle Corp.’s CEO Luke Kissam was third in the state last year with $5.3 million. The specialty-chemical maker has a $9.1 billion market cap. Miles receives about $500,000 a year for his work with the Tiger Athletic Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the school’s student athletes.
Urban Meyer, Ohio State University
AP Poll rank: 6
Potential payout: $6.4 million
The Buckeyes winning their second national title under Meyer would earn the coach almost as much as Richard Kyle, chief of Timken Co., was awarded last year. He was paid $6.6 million. The Canton-based manufacturer of ball bearings had $2.9 billion in revenue last year. Meyer’s contract entitles him to $480,000 toward a defined contribution plan each year.