Which coaches are earning their keep on the recruiting trail?

USA Today released its annual college football coaches salary database recently and there was plenty of discussion about which of the nation’s highest-paid coaches are actually earning their keep in terms of on-field performance. But what about from a recruiting perspective? Today we look at the database and cross reference it with the class of 2018 recruiting rankings to see which coaches are a bargain for their efforts on the recruiting trail.

Current recruiting ranking: 11
Current salary ranking: 64

Because Notre Dame is a private school and doesn’t have to release Kelly’s contract, the number included in the database doesn’t include bonuses or endorsements. Regardless, it’s still rather stunning to see Kelly so low on the list in salary. In addition to having a great season on the field, Kelly and his staff are recruiting at a terrific level with the nation’s No. 11 recruiting class. Right now the Irish only have 18 total commits, a number that’s likely to increase and likely help the team get into the top 10. Kelly’s prowess as a recruiter has been on display quite a bit in recent years, and with the season the team is having the Irish have a chance to finish with their best class since finishing No. 3 overall in 2013.

Current recruiting ranking: 9
Current salary ranking: 52

It’s Riley’s first year as the head coach in Norman, but it’s hard to argue with the results both on the field and in the recruiting rankings. The Sooners are pushing for a spot in the college football playoff, and after adding a commitment from Rivals250 defensive tackle Ronnie Perkins last week they are firmly inside the top 10 in the recruiting rankings. Riley is one of the youngest head coaches in the country, so it’s going to take him some time to climb up the salary list, but as an assistant he was known for his prowess as a recruiter, and it looks like that’s carrying over nicely in his role as head coach.

Current recruiting ranking: 5
Current salary ranking: 42

Taggart’s first year in Eugene has seen its share of ups and downs, but there’s no doubting his ability to recruit and assemble a staff that can do the same. Oregon’s rise up the rankings has been aided by out-of-state recruiting, with players like Rivals100 wide receiver Warren Thompson, a Florida native, headlining the class. Because of his ties to Florida, a relatively low salary and his recruiting prowess, Taggart’s name has already been mentioned in relation to the open Florida job. Some were surprised when Oregon reached across the country to hire Taggart, but if the current class holds it will be the best Ducks class since the heart of the Chip Kelly era.

Current recruiting ranking: 14
Current salary ranking: 47

Maryland’s season got off to a promising start before injuries slowed the Terps down, but there’s no doubt that D.J. Durkin has things going in the right direction in College Park. After finishing ranked no higher than No. 39 from 2014 to 2016, Durkin’s first full class at Maryland in 2017 was ranked No. 17, and it looks like this year’s class is on pace to finish well within the Top 25 again. As an assistant coach, Durkin was known as a good recruiter and with the rebuild on the right track at Maryland, expect him to keep improving the talent levels in his program.

Current recruiting ranking: 6
Current salary ranking: 23

With the season Georgia is having on the field in 2017, it’s unlikely that Smart’s salary will rank outside of the Top 20 for long. But as if the Dawgs' run to No. 1 in the rankings isn’t impressive enough, Smart also has his program pushing for No. 1 in the Rivals.com Team Rankings. After adding recent commitments from five-star quarterback Justin Fields and five-star running back James Cook, Georgia pretty much cemented its place in the top 10 in the rankings. The only question now is can the Dawgs knock off Alabama as the SEC’s recruiting king? With some big pieces still on the board and leaning Georgia’s way, it’s not totally out of the question. Smart’s hire was questioned by some after his first year, but right now he’s looking like a tremendous hire at a great value.