Reports: LSU’s Jay Johnson becomes highest-paid college baseball coach

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th September, 14:47 2025

NCAA Baseball: College World Series-Coastal Carolina v LSU

Jun 22, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Jay Johnson (2) meets with the press after the game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson will become the highest-paid coach in college baseball after agreeing to a seven-year contract worth more than $23 million, according to multiple reports.

Johnson, who guided the Tigers to their second national championship in three years this past season, will reportedly earn $3.05 million annually to start, with his salary set to climb to $3.65 million by the end of the deal. The contract surpasses Tennessee's Tony Vitello, previously the top earner at $3 million a year.

Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 2022, Johnson has led LSU to a 190-77 record and two College World Series titles, restoring the program to perennial championship contender. His teams have also produced multiple top MLB Draft picks, including Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, who went first and second overall in 2023.

Johnson, 48, began his head coaching career at Nevada in 2014, where he posted a 72-43 record in two seasons before leading Arizona to two College World Series appearances in six years. He replaced longtime LSU coach Paul Mainieri after the 2021 season.

--Field Level Media