Most underpaid college football coaches include three from Group of Five. Who are they?

Barry Odom (UNLV), Ken Niumatalolo (San Diego State) and Jason Candle (Toledo) are providing their schools high-level results at bargain prices.

The second time has been the charm for UNLV coach Barry Odom.

After going an even 25-25 in four seasons at Missouri, Odom spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Arkansas before getting another chance, this time with the Rebels.

That opportunity has paid off in a big way for one of the top Group of Five contenders for the College Football Playoff. After going 9-5 last season, UNLV has risen as high as No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and is in the mix for the Mountain West Conference championship.

This has made Odom perhaps the best bargain in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He leads the way in USA TODAY Sports’ list of the most underpaid coaches in college football, along with two others from the Group of Five.

UNLV head coach Barry Odom looks on during the first half against Kansas at Children’s Mercy Park.

Barry Odom, UNLV

Set to earn $1.75 million in total compensation this year, third among Mountain West head coaches, Odom is almost certainly set for a raise given the program’s unprecedented success through the first month of his second season. Last year’s team won nine games for the first time since 1984, won five games at home for the first time since 2000 and reached a bowl game for the first time in a decade, making Odom the Rebels’ first Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalist. This year’s squad is the first in program history to crack the Coaches Poll.

Toledo coach Jason Candle has a new quarterback this season as the Rockets attempt to repeat as MAC champions.

Jason Candle, Toledo

Candle is an annual contender for this list based on his impressive and unbroken run of success since being promoted from the Rockets’ offensive coordinator slot…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/most-underpaid-college-football-coaches-113634258.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-16 11:36:34

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