Correcting Opportunity and Accountability in Collegiate Hiring Act (COACH Act)

The Correcting Opportunity and Accountability in Collegiate Hiring Act (COACH Act) aims to address the rising costs of compensation and contract buyouts for college coaches. The bill proposes to limit the total compensation for any athletic department employee to no more than ten times the cost of undergraduate tuition and required fees at that institution. This cap would apply to all forms of payment, including base salaries, bonuses, and severance packages, as well as support from affiliated booster organizations.

To implement these changes, the legislation would amend Title IV of the Higher Education Act and provide a targeted antitrust exemption. This exemption would allow colleges and universities to collectively set compensation ceilings without violating federal competition laws. Proponents of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to restore financial sanity to college sports, which they characterize as a subsidized public good rather than a purely professional enterprise.

If enacted, the bill could significantly reduce the multi-million dollar salaries and buyouts currently seen in high-profile collegiate programs. By tying pay directly to tuition rates, the bill seeks to ensure that athletic spending remains proportional to the educational costs of the university. This could lead to a redistribution of athletic department funds toward other university priorities or potentially lower the financial pressure on student tuition and fees.