BYU has the athletic income (not tithing, not institutional endowment, not student fees) to compensate and fund football like a lower end P5. Our athletic revenue has increased some $25-30 mil over last 5-6 years, totalling around $65-70. Comparable to several bottom end P5s. They CHOSE not to play in the arms race. Sitake, Lamb and Detmer have some decently comparable salaries; the rest of the staff is filthy cheap. Another $1 mil to football coaching salary would change that, but they chose not to pay position coaches anywhere near the going rate. Hence, Mahe, Cahoon, etc. Their facilities are serviceable but not going to impress recruits too much, the stadium is long past due for a face lift (not just paint).
This P5-G5 discussion has some merit, P5 TV money would be a tremendous game changer. However, it must be acknowledged that BYU, in some extent, does this to itself. They proceeded with indy announcement rah-rah, exposure talk, schedule up, travel like crazy, 2-for-1s, "must win" proposition to independence, "national relevance"....BYU literally has the hardest path in college football BUT continues to pay like we are a run of the mill G5. Increase football salaries, get some non-mormon/non-BYU position coaches with experience, improve the stadium and facilities and pay for what you have chosen to pursue. Otherwise, you are trying to get blood from a stone.