College football's best bargains: Head coaches that made their dollars count in 2025

In the 2025 college football season, several head coaches have emerged as significant value assets for their programs, effectively maximizing their teams' performances relative to their salaries. Among the standout names is Kansas State's Chris Klieman, who has led the Wildcats to a strong position in the Big 12 while managing a salary well below many of his peers. Similarly, Tulane’s Willie Fritz has continued to elevate the Green Wave’s competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference, proving to be a prudent investment for the program. Other notable mentions include Jonathan Smith of Oregon State and Jamey Chadwell of Liberty, both of whom have delivered impressive results on the field without commanding top-tier coaching salaries. These coaches have demonstrated the ability to achieve success with limited financial resources, highlighting the importance of strategic leadership in college football.