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Florida To Pay Assistants $11.2 Million In 2026

PUBLISHED May 28, 2026, 10:01 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 5

Center 80%

Right 20%

Sources: 5

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida will pay its football assistants a combined $11.2 million in 2026, the school disclosed this week after releasing contract details; offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is set to earn $2.1 million in 2026 under a three-year, $6.6 million deal, and defensive coordinator Brad White signed a three-year, $5.85 million contract. This week’s disclosures, released Thursday in response to a public records request, show scheduled $100,000 annual raises for both coordinators and that Sumrall signed a six-year, $44.7 million contract last year averaging $7.45 million per season; the total compensation for Sumrall, his assistants and front office will exceed $20 million as the program moves into the next recruiting and competition cycle.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Last year: Jon Sumrall signed a six-year, $44.7 million contract as Florida head coach.
Faulkner and White were offered multi-year assistant contracts following Sumrall’s hiring.
This week (Thursday): Florida released assistant contracts after a public records request.
For 2026: The combined assistant payroll is disclosed as $11.2 million, with Faulkner at $2.1 million.
Scheduled raises of $100,000 were included for coordinators in subsequent contract years through 2028.

News Intelligence

The University of Florida's football program is investing heavily in its staff. This shows the high value placed on college sports and its impact on local economies. If you're a fan, it's a sign of commitment to winning. If you're a taxpayer, it's worth noting where education dollars are going.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

High-paid coordinators, other assistant coaches, and Florida’s recruiting operations benefit from increased salaries and financial resources allocated to the staff.

Who Impacted

University budget overseers, taxpayers and fans concerned about spending priorities and program performance face increased scrutiny and potential criticism over the financial commitments.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 80%, Right 20%

Who Benefited

High-paid coordinators, other assistant coaches, and Florida’s recruiting operations benefit from increased salaries and financial resources allocated to the staff.

Who Impacted

University budget overseers, taxpayers and fans concerned about spending priorities and program performance face increased scrutiny and potential criticism over the financial commitments.