re: Young up and comer - base salary in the bottom half of SEC coaches and fat incentives

Correct.

My proposal:

$8 million per year for 5 years, 75% guaranteed (so $30 million guaranteed)
But load it with incentives:
* $1 Million qualify for SEC CG
* $1 Million win the SEC CG
* $2 Million qualify for the playoffs
* $1 Million for each playoff round won (or $1 million additional for earning first round bye). 12/8/4/2 - possible to earn $4 million here
* $3 Million win the national championship

So in a NC year, coach would earn up to $19 million

Additionally, any year in which he wins at least 10 games, contract is automatically guaranteed for the next 5 years
Additionally, any year in which he wins the SEC, the base pay goes up $1 Million; should he win the natty, base pay goes up $2 million