How much is Jared Benko paying to leave Georgia Southern for Auburn?

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) – WTOC has obtained information regarding Jared Benko’s contract as Georgia Southern’s athletic director. Benko is leaving the university for a role at Auburn.

Under the contract, Benko will pay the university $200,000 to buy out his role as athletic director. The contract states that the amount must be paid within 60 days of termination. All benefits outlined in the contract are also immediately terminated.

Benko was initially hired in March 2020, starting his position on April 1. He signed a five-year contract in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid athletic directors in the Sun Belt Conference. The contract was supposed to expire on June 30, 2027.

Benko was paid an annual salary of $424,000 with bonuses based on athletic and academic performance, according to documents obtained by WTOC. This included, but was not limited to, the Sun Belt Championships (or Co-Champions) in Football, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Baseball at $5,000 each. Bonuses for conference championships in other sports were $2,500. Football games and other postseason championship contests mandated by the NCAA were also incentives for bonuses.

Benko dated his official resignation letter on October 31, 2024, indicating his intention to leave the university on November 15, 2024. The release statement is below.

Jared Benko's resignation letter dated October 31, 2024 — Jared Benko’s resignation letter dated October 31, 2024(WTOC)

Benko is leaving Georgia Southern to become Auburn’s associate athletic directorreturning to the Tigers after a varsity stint in 2015-2016.

Chris Davis will be Georgia Southern’s new athletic director after four years as the chief operating officer of the department.