Wasn’t Shaw making over 8 million a year? I think the pay isn’t the problem it’s the ability remain competitive given the constraints.
Reportedly just under 9 mil, but that's after several extensions. They historically have not hired a current fbs coach; they've hired assistants, retirees, or FCS coaches. They have hired 2 sitting major college coaches the last 100 years, ironically enough both Pitt coaches. Pop Warner in 1924 and Walt Harris in. Harris only made it two years and he once had his team punt on 3rd down.