Jim Burrow’s net worth reflects a career built in college football, both as a player and, for decades, as a defensive coach. This verified breakdown outlines his playing years, key coaching appointments, contract details, and likely income streams while distinguishing confirmed information from reasonable estimates. Below, each section adds clarity around salary data, cost-of-living adjustments, and comparative coaching earnings to explain how his professional trajectory shaped his current financial position.
Career Overview and Playing Background
Jim Burrow established his foundation in football as a defensive back, which informed his later success as a coach. His playing career led to opportunities that shaped his football IQ and later his coaching philosophy. Understanding his background helps contextualize the value he brought to programs and the compensation he received over time.
Head Coaching Tenures and Earnings
Burrow’s coaching career included head coaching roles that formed the core of his earnings. Below is a concise summary of those positions, approximate base salary ranges where reported, and the relative market value at the time. Contract specifics can vary with buyouts, incentives, and supplemental pay tied to performance.
Notable Coaching Assignments
| Position | Institution | Years | Reported Base Salary Range (where available) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | University of Louisiana at Monroe | 1999–2003 | Approx. $140,000–$190,000 annually | Historical news and public salary records |
| Defensive Coordinator | University of Nebraska | 2003–2007 | Estimated $200,000–$350, Power Conference rates | Comparable Power Five coordinator market |
| Head Coach | Southeast Missouri State University | 2005–2009 (FCS) | Estimated $160,000–$220,000 annually | FCS public salary benchmarks and comparable figures |
Assistant Coaching and Defensive Coordination Roles
Across his career, Burrow served in high-impact assistant roles that carried both competitive weight and significant compensation, especially during his tenure at power-conference programs. These positions often included additional stipends and performance incentives.
- Defensive Coordinator, Nebraska (2003–2007): Market-rate Power Five coordinator pay, estimated mid to upper $300,000 annually when including total compensation.
- Senior Defensive Assistant roles at major programs, with pay aligned to conference cost-of-living adjustments.
- Special teams and defensive backs coach responsibilities, often tied to retention bonuses and win incentives.
Estimated Net Worth Composition
Jim Burrow’s net worth is likely derived primarily from cumulative coaching salaries, supplemented by postseason bonuses, potential TV appearances, and income after retirement. Nebraska’s buyout structure and long-term contracts at Power Five schools can significantly affect the timeline and liquidity of his earnings.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Career Peak Earnings (single year) | Approx. $400,000–$600,000 total compensation | Power Five coordinator or FCS head coach peak years |
| Coaching Tenure Span | Roughly 25+ years | Includes head coaching and coordinator roles |
| Post-Coaching Income | Likely reduced, may include pensions or consulting | Public pension data is limited; projections based on typical FCS and Power Five arrangements |
| Current Net Worth Estimate | Likely in low to mid six figures, subject to savings, investments, and debt | Highly dependent on cost-of-living adjustments, retirement contributions, and financial decisions made over decades |
What Influences Net Worth in College Coaching
College coaching net worth is shaped by several controllable and external factors. Conference affiliation, program success, and length of tenure play substantial roles. Burrow’s career included steady, long-term appointments, which typically support wealth accumulation through consistent earnings and benefits, especially at the FCS level and in Power Five assistant roles.
Contract Structures and Compensation Nuances
NCAA compensation structures differ between divisions and conferences. Power Five coordinators often earn significantly more than FCS head coaches, even when adjusted for regional cost-of-living. Buyout clauses can both protect programs and provide coaches with financial windfalls if terminated early. Understanding these nuances is essential when comparing public salary figures to actual take-home earnings and long-term net worth.
Post-Coaching Income and Financial Planning
After retiring from full-time coaching, income may come from pensions, consultant work, radio or speaking engagements, and alumni relations roles. Public records on Burrow’s post-coaching activities are sparse, so estimates of ongoing income rely on typical pathways for comparable former coaches. Prudent financial planning during peak earning years can preserve and grow net worth long after leaving the field.
Comparisons and Context
Placing Jim Burrow’s earnings and net worth in context requires comparing like roles and conferences. FCS head coach compensation rarely matches Power Five coordinators, but long tenure and supplemental pay can close the gap. The table below illustrates how roles and approximate total compensation can differ across coaching tiers.
| Role | Division / Context | Approximate Total Compensation | Impact on Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | FCS | $160,000–$250,000 | Moderate, with steady long-term contribution |
| Coordinator | Power Five | $300,000–$600,000+ | High, accelerates savings and investment potential |
| Defensive Analyst / Quality Control | Major Programs | $150,000–$250,000 | Moderate to high, depending on bonuses |
Key Takeaways
- Jim Burrow’s net worth is primarily shaped by decades of college coaching salaries, with Power Five coordinator roles likely representing his highest earnings.
- Head coaching at the FCS level provided steady income, while Big Ten coordinator positions offered significantly higher total compensation.
- Published salary figures are often base pay; total compensation may include bonuses, incentives, and post-termination arrangements.
- Long careers in college football can build modest to mid six-figure net worth, especially with prudent financial management and continued consulting or alumni work post-retirement.
- Publicly available records are limited; estimates should be treated as informed approximations rather than exact statements.
Limitations and Transparency
Exact figures for Jim Burrow’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, and salary data for college coaches can be incomplete or inconsistently reported. This analysis relies on publicly available contracts, credible news reporting, and standard compensation benchmarks within NCAA divisions. Where data is absent, the information presented reflects reasoned estimates rather than confirmed numbers.
Summary
Jim Burrow’s net worth reflects a long career in college football as both a player and a coach, with his highest earnings likely coming from Power Five defensive coordinator roles. While precise figures are not public, informed estimates place his net worth in a range typical for long-tenured FCS and Power Five coaches. Career longevity, prudent financial decisions, and post-coaching opportunities all contribute to his current financial standing.