LSU Football Coach Les Miles' Contract Bonuses May Reach Up to $6.5 Million

Strategic Insights -

LSU football coach Les Miles can secure a potential $6.5 million in bonuses and future pay increases this weekend by guiding his team to the Bowl Championship Series national title game, according to the terms of his contract. This could be in addition to his guaranteed compensation of $3.751 million, making him one of the highest-paid employees in higher education and public service. If No. 1-ranked LSU defeats Georgia in the SEC title game, they will advance to the BCS national title game, which would trigger a provision in Miles' contract requiring his compensation to be at least the highest salary of public institutions within the SEC, plus $1,000. This could potentially lead to a pay raise similar to that of Alabama's Nick Saban, whose contract includes an additional annual payment of more than $530,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • Les Miles can secure a potential $6.5 million in bonuses and future pay increases this weekend by guiding his team to the BCS national title game.
  • The bonuses are in addition to his guaranteed compensation of $3.751 million.
  • A BCS national title for LSU would trigger a provision in Miles' contract requiring his compensation to be at least the highest salary of public institutions within the SEC, plus $1,000.
  • This could potentially lead to a pay raise similar to that of Alabama's Nick Saban, whose contract includes an additional annual payment of more than $530,000.
  • Miles' contract also includes a $500,000 postseason incentive bonus and an additional $200,000 bonus depending on the team's academic performance.
  • The SEC's highest salary belongs to Alabama's Nick Saban, whose basic compensation this season is $4.15 million.
  • LSU's contract terms require Miles' compensation to be "no less than the highest salary of public institutions within the SEC plus $1,000."

Statistics:

  • Les Miles' guaranteed compensation: $3.751 million
  • Potential bonus for a BCS national title: up to $6.5 million
  • Nick Saban's basic compensation this season: $4.15 million
  • Additional annual payment in Saban's contract: more than $530,000
  • Potential postseason incentive bonuses for Miles: $500,000
  • Potential academic performance bonus for Miles: $200,000
  • Remaining years on Miles' contract: 6 years

Sources:

  • USA TODAY
  • Les Miles' contract with LSU
  • Nick Saban's contract with Alabama