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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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