USC could pay next football coach $6 million, according to ESPN

In the market to replace head football coach Lane Kiffin, USC is willing to spare no expense, according to ESPN’s Travis Haney. The Trojans could pay their new man upward of $6 million per season, which would be tops among college coaches.

Alabama’s Nick Saban is currently the highest-paid coach on an annual basis, bringing in $5.395 million in 2013. Texas’ Mack Brown is a close second with $5.392 million coming from the Longhorns this season. If USC really is interested in setting a new gold standard, it would be a big increase over the $2.594 million that the fired Lane Kiffin is set to make.

Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin is reportedly the leading candidate for the Trojans, which makes sense. Before Sumlin took over the Aggies in 2012, they were 16-10 in the previous two seasons. Since his arrival, A&M has been in the national spotlight, compiling a 19-4 record, a dominating Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma, an upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and a Heisman Trophy for Johnny Manziel. Sumlin’s potent offensive schemes would be a nice fit in Los Angeles, and would likely remind fans of the high-scoring days under Pete Carroll.

In addition to Sumlin, Lovie Smith and Jon Gruden have been rumored to be desired candidates for the job.

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