Penn State's 2024‑25 fiscal year report shows that the five highest‑paid employees were all drawn from the university's athletic department, a stark contrast to the previous year when wrestling coach Cael Sanderson had been among the top earners.
At the top of the list, former head football coach James Franklin received a compensation package just over $8.5 million, marking a decline of roughly $59,000 from the prior year.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, in his inaugural season after succeeding Mike Yurcich, earned slightly more than $3 million, while defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who departed for Clemson in 2025, received just over $1.6 million.
Basketball coach Mike Rhoades secured the second‑largest salary at just over $3.5 million, and Athletic Director Pat Kraft ranked fourth with a compensation package exceeding $1.8 million, both surpassing University President Neeli Bendapudi.
The athletic department posted a net surplus of $223,679, contributing to a total operating revenue of $254.9 million, of which $146.8 million stemmed from football alone. The university also allocated roughly $18.3 million to name, image and likeness (NIL) payments, with more than $13 million directed to the football program.
Compensation Landscape
These figures illustrate how Penn State's sports programs have become a major financial driver, outpacing even the university's central administration in total payroll outlays.