- Karl Dorrell was in his third season as head coach.
- He signed a five-year contract in February 2020.
- The Buffaloes are winless (0-5) in 2022.
After Mel Tucker left Colorado for Michigan State in February 2020, the Buffaloes reportedly targeted five candidates for their next head coach: Bret Bielema, Eric Bienemy, Karl Dorrell, Steve Sarkisian, and Troy Calhoun.
Two and a half years later, one of those coaches is leading an impressive, albeit early, rebuild at a downtrodden Power Five program. One is the best offensive coordinator in the NFL, one nearly led Texas to a shocking upset of Alabama, one led Air Force to a blowout win over the guy Colorado hired, and the guy Colorado sat on the college football hot seat for the first month of the season before he was fired on Sunday, Oct. 2.
Karl Dorrell led Colorado to zero wins in five game this season – most recently suffering a blowout loss to Arizona – and showed no signs of long-term progress.
What is Karl Dorrell’s Contract?
Dorrell signed a five-year, $18-million contract upon arriving from the Miami Dolphins, where he spent the 2019 season as associate head coach and wide receivers coach.
His annual base salary is $500,000 but is due supplemental compensation for duties performed in fundraising and other areas each year (not including incentives):
- 2020: $2.7 million
- 2021: $2.9 million
- 2022: $3 million
- 2023: $3.1 million
- 2024: $3.2 million
Dorrell took a pay cut in 2020 but hasn’t signed an extension or revised the terms of his contract since signing the contract on Feb. 29, 2020.
What is Karl Dorrell’s Buyout?
Because he was fired without cause before Dec. 31, 2024, Karl Dorrell is owed a buyout.
Per his contract, if fired on or before Dec. 31, 2022, he’s owed $11.4 million minus compensation “earned in base salary, supplemental salary, and incentive salary prior to the effective date of termination.”
- Dec. 31, 2022: $11.4 million
- Dec. 31, 2023: $7.8 million
- Dec. 31, 2024: $4 million
If Dorrell obtains similar employment elsewhere – e.g., assistant coach, head coach, TV analyst – after he’s fired, but before Dec. 31, 2024, his buyout amount can be reduced based on his new income.
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