From a rare violin to gold toilet paper: What $168 million in coach buyouts could buy

With LSU’s firing of head coach Brian Kelly on Sunday, the buyouts owed to the 10 FBS head coaches dismissed so far this season now total nearly $168 million, according to ESPN and USA Today.

With several other high-profile coaches reportedly on the hot seat, this year’s head-coaching carousel could far surpass the previous record for buyout spending.

All those pricey payouts got us wondering: What else could $168 million buy if we splurged on some truly lavish items?

Here's what's on our 10-item wish list. (As with many luxury items, these prices could be negotiable.)

Gibson Stradivarius violin | $14M

According to multiple reports, including the Tallahassee Democrat, this famous antique violin from 1713 was once owned by Polish violinist Bronisław Huberman, has been stolen twice and is currently owned by Grammy Award-winning American violinist and conductor Joshua Bell. Bell bought the Gibson Stradivarius violin in 2001, so you may have to pony up a bit more because of inflation.

2025 Rolls-Royce Droptail | $32M

For car enthusiasts, this one is the ultimate prize. According to U.S. News & World Report, only four have been made. The vehicle's red color is called "True Love," and the interior includes more than 1,600 wood veneer pieces that resemble rose petals. How romantic. A perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Caribbean island | $38M

According to Private Islands Inc., for that cool price tag, one can purchase a 250-acre tropical paradise called "Bird Cay," part of the Berry Islands, not far from Nassau, Bahamas.

Orange Fancy diamond | $35.5M

For those who went to Syracuse, Tennessee, Clemson or another predominantly orange-themed school, this is the gift that keeps on giving. It is a 14.82-carat diamond, according to Haywoods Gems, and the perfect foundation for any engagement ring.

Taste of Diamonds champagne | $2.07M

This 2013 champagne doesn't just feature the bubbles, according to Sotheby's International Realty, but it also includes an 18-carat gold label adorned with a diamond. Super fancy. A great item to make a mimosa with during Saturday tailgate at your favorite school — or you can toast at another school's buyout party!

Mickey Mantle baseball card | $12.6M

For all those baseball fanatics out there, a Mickey Mantle Topps card from 1952, graded at "9.5 Mint+," went for $12.6 million in 2022, according to ESPN. That's a super investment.

165-foot yacht | $29.9M

"The Provocateur" is 165 feet of pure luxury, with six cabins, a gym and sauna and a swimming pool, according to United Yacht Sales. This mega-yacht was renovated two years ago.

White truffles | $330,000

For this price, according to PrestigeOnline.com, one can grab a 3.3-pound white truffle, which has an intense and aromatic flavor. Try them with some fresh pasta for a wonderful, casual dinner at home. Or at a pregame college football watch party with your best friends and family.

Brooklyn townhouse | $2.3M

In the Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood of trendy Brooklyn, N.Y., you'll find a renovated four-story townhouse with a landscaped backyard and a finished basement recreational room, according to Nest Seekers International. Plus, the owner gets the first three floors, and the top floor has a move-in-ready apartment that can be rented out. It's a financially smart splurge.

Luxurious toilet paper | $1.3M

Come on now, who doesn't need 22-karat gold toilet paper that went for $1.3 million a roll in 2013? That price, according to the Rich Times, is totally reasonable. What would it cost 12 years later? Well, we're willing to pay a little more considering inflation. A true steal.

When all’s said and paid, $168 million buys a lot of luxury — or just another Saturday’s worth of disappointment.