Sorry for the freehand graph, but since I don't have actual stats for every coaching staff in the P5 over the last four decades, I simply drafted out an estimate to show a relationship that I think is ultimately the source of BYU's problem.

While big programs like Notre Dame, Penn State, Alabama, USC, Texas, etc have always paid their coaches (Head coach and his staff) more than other programs, the discrepancy or difference between their salaries and a school like BYU's (LaVell Edwards) was not as great in the past as it is today, in fact, it's no where close. Before the creation of the BCS (pre-2000), most coaches in the top 25-50 were paid similarly or at least the difference between the top coach and the bottom of that group wasn't as great. For this reason, BYU and schools like them were able to remain somewhat competitive for a long time, especially for the assistant coaches (offensive/defensive coordinators (BYU's passing attack also helped )). I think it's also why it used to be harder for a school like Stanford to keep it's coaches. Stanford's salaries just weren't adequate enough to cover the cost of living.

With every new coach at BYU this becomes a much bigger challenge. I think most people would agree that good experience cost a lot of money, so you have to take gambles on lesser experienced coaches (as Utah did w/Urban Meyer in '03). Head coaches have a tougher time getting the funds for the staff they need to remain competitive. I don't know the details of Kalani's budget, but I would bet it's very very limited by today's standards.

This graph isn't an exact representation of salaries, but if you look them up, you'll see the relationship, and there are several articles (a couple below) that discuss the insane increase in salaries. (Saban's $12+ Million vs Kalani is much much higher than say Joe Paterno vs. LaVell. There are OC's/DC's that make more than a lot of HC's today) By the way, I don't have a problem with these coaches making a lot of money, I just have a problem when they (NCAA) limit access for programs to opt in and play the game. My main point with this is that if BYU had entered into a p5 conference in the last few years, I believe we would be in a different situation. There are assistants Kalani probably wanted to hire, but can't because of his budget limitations.


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The other day, I got blasted on the board for suggesting that we shift our blame from the Coaches/Players/AD and BYU Administration and redirect it to the NCAA (I wasn't dismissing the absolutely terrible coaching we saw Saturday or have seen this season). The problem I have w/ the NCAA is that they don't exactly allow for an equal opportunity for ANY school to compete at the highest level. The only way you can play at the highest level is if you are part of a P5 conference. BYU is limited in this regard because of their Honor Code and Religious affiliation. It may be that BYU could make some adjustments to the HC that still align to the teachings of the Church, but the reality is that BYU will more likely be on the outside looking in. I think BSU/Fresno State/Central Florida and any other program should have the same opportunity to compete and this is where I fault the NCAA.

It's also why, I'm not certain we have hit rock bottom yet.

Big time football requires a full commitment, and BYU needs to make a decision. Either you are all in, or you are out. I don't think they can hover in no-man's land anymore.

I also believe that BYU has what it takes to go "All in", I'm just not sure that that decision will be made. If we stay at the current status quo, I don't think BYU's program will ever be nationally respected from a competitive standpoint again.

Finally, I believe there are other things that the BYU administration could do in order to gain a lot more fan support and $$$, and I don't think it would be hard to do (harder now than over the last several years - due to losses and probably a loss of empathy).

And as much as I despise the program to the North of us, PAC12 money has really really really made a big difference and they are running away from us.

Hopefully, our luck and fortune will change soon.

Article from 2012 - Saban's salary has since DOUBLED
https://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2012/11/20/college-football-coaching-salaries-grow-astronomically-due-to-escalating-media-rights-deals/#70f2e90d6c99

Article from 2013 - https://www.si.com/college-football/campus-union/2013/05/08/study-college-coaching-salaries