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Being ranked as one of the highest paid college basketball coaches is extremely extraordinary and deserves a standing ovation. In fact, this demonstrates that these coaches command a high degree of devotion and skill.
The victories brought to their individual universities by these coaches attract ticket purchasers and sponsors, as well as improve student enrollment and product sales.
Doesn’t this reflect their importance, the need to know them, and the strategies they have employed to get to this level?
Well, if you’re keen on knowing who these highest paid basketball coaches are, read on cause we have them all listed here.
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How Much Does a College Basketball Coach Earn?
According to Ziprecruiter, a college basketball coach earns $46,183 annually. Although most coaches earn more than this, this is to tell you that the salary of a college basketball coach varies.
There are a lot of factors that can affect their pay. Factors like years of experience, the size of the college they’re coaching at, and their team’s success.
So, an experienced college basketball coach can earn more than a basketball coach who is just starting out.
Who is the Highest-Paid College Basketball Coach?
Bill Self is the highest-paid college basketball coach in the US. He earned $10,184,282, over $2 million more than the second-highest-paid coach. Self has a $5.4 million buyout.
Since 2003, the 59-year-old has been with the Jayhawks. He made the NCAA Tournament for the 19th time in a row in 2022, earning another No. 1 seed owing to the most Quadrant 1 victories in the country.
With a second national championship, Self joins 15 notable coaches who have won multiple championships. He obtained a significant raise in salary for 2021-22 after earning only $3.7 million in cash in 2020-21.
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Top 10 Highest Paid College Basketball Coaches
Having stated earlier that college basketball pay isn’t fixed, we have those who earn far more than other coaches. Let’s now look at some of the highest paid college basketball coaches:
#1. Mike Krzyzewski of Duke: Salary – $9.7 million
One of the highest paid college basketball coaches is the former Duke University head coach Michael William Krzyzewski.
He has the highest intellectual basketball coach compensation in history (annual base salary of $9.7 million) with a net worth of $45 million.
Coach K, as they fondly called, has coached 14 USA teams since 1979, leading the US to 10 gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.
#2. John Calipari of Kentucky: Salary – $8 million
This famous coach; John Calipari, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, is a “players-first” coach who enjoys assisting others in achieving their goals.
During his 30-year intellectual coaching career, he has led six teams to the Final Four, one to a national title, and 56 players to NBA Draft selection.
Interestingly, no coach in the NCAA Tournament had more victories (31), Final Fours (four), Elite Eights (seven), or Sweet 16s (seven) than Calipari’s 13 seasons at Kentucky (eight).
By reaching the 2015 Final Four, Coach Cal became one of just three coaches in history to reach four Final Fours in a five-year stretch, joining Mike Krzyzewski and John Wooden.
He is indeed a worthy college basketball coach, listed among the highest paid coaches. His net worth is $45 million.
#3. Jay Wright of Villanova: Salary – $6 million
The Villanova coach Jay Wright, a native of Pennsylvania, has been the head coach at Villanova since 2001. In 2009, he was present at the final four appearances, and in 2016 he led the wildcats to a national championship.
With an 11-4 conference record, the Wildcats won at least a share of the regular-season title for the third consecutive season, securing it with a win against Creighton on March 3, 2022.
Coach Wright of Villanova University earned over $3.9 million each season in 2019, but he turned down a raise to more than $7.75 million from UCLA. He is worth $7 million.
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#4. Rick Barnes of Tennessee: Salary – $4.995 million
The current base pay for Richard Dale Barnes is $4.995 million annually. The basketball coach of the University of Tennessee has a net worth of $16 million.
The Tennessee Volunteers team pledged to give him a $100,000 increase yearly starting in 2024.
They extended Rick Barnes’ contract through the 2026–27 season as a thank-you for the Volunteers’ first SEC tournament victory in 43 years.
#5. Bob Huggins of West Virginia: Salary – $4.15 million
One of the highest paid college basketball coaches still working in Division I basketball is the former Cincinnati and Kansas State head coach Bob Huggins. He has more than 700 victories and ranks among the top 10 in winning basketball.
Basketball Bob began coaching as a graduate assistant at West Virginia (under Gardner) in 1977 after playing basketball for his father, Charles, at Indian Valley South High School.
According to the 2021 contract renewal, Bob Edward Huggins will make $4.15 million a year for the following three seasons with a net worth of $12 million.
#6. Brad Underwood of Illinois: Salary – $4.1 million
One of the famous basketball coaches, Brad, whose net worth is $10 million, joined Illinois in 2017. He was appointed as the Richmond Family Endowed Men’s Head Basketball Coach in March 2017 and is the 18th head coach in Illinois history.
In his nine years as a Division I head coach, he has won roughly 69 percent of his games while compiling seven 20-win seasons.
His salary is guaranteed under the University of Illinois contract to be $4.1 million for the first two seasons and $4.5 million for the final season of the agreement.
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#7. Bill Self of Kansas: Salary – $5.1 million
Under the new five-year rolling deal, Billy Eugene Self Jr. of the University of Kansas earns a $5.1 million yearly pay. Before the March 2022 expiration of his last contract, he was given an extension.
Eugene is a five-time Naismith Coach of the Year Award winner with an estimated net worth of $10 million. He has an overall record of 556–124 (81.8%) with a win average of 29.3 in 19 seasons at Kansas.
Self has a career record of 763-229 (76.9%) in 29 seasons as a head coach. Interestingly, while playing for Kansas, he achieved an NCAA record 14 consecutive regular-season Big 12 Conference crowns, 16 total, and nine conference tournament victories.
He also won two national championships during his time there. He has led KU to four Final Four appearances and nine Elite Eight appearances.
#8. Buzz Williams of Texas A&M: Salary – $4.1 million
On April 3, 2019, Buzz Williams was appointed the men’s basketball program at Texas A&M’s head coach for the 22nd time.
He guided the Aggies to 27 victories in 2021–22, which ties for the second-most in a single season, as well as trips to the SEC Tournament and NIT title games.
Williams’ team has won their past four games in the regular season. Since 2019, Buzz Williams has served as the basketball program’s head coach at Texas A&M University.
He began at a salary of $3.8 million and now has a net worth of $2.6 million. Since his yearly salary rises by $100,000 per year, he must currently be making more than $4.1 million.
#9. Mick Cronin of UCLA: Salary – $4 million
One of the highest paid college basketball coaches is Michael Walter Cronin, the head coach of UCLA, who earns $4 million pay per year.
In 2019, he was named the UCLA Bruins’ fourteenth head coach. His current net worth is estimated by Clutch Points to be $24 million.
Meanwhile, Cronin has led the Bruins to a 40-17 record in Pac-12 games and a 68-30 overall record in his first three seasons at UCLA.
The Bruins made their first participation in the Final Four since 2008 in 2021 after making it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
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#10. Fred Hoiberg of Nebraska: Salary – $3.25 million
The former NBA player earned the moniker “The Mayor” while playing college basketball at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he was raised.
In 2022, Nebraska altered Fredrick’s contract, bringing his yearly income down from $4 million to $3.25 million. He, however, consented to an $11 million reduced buyout. His net worth is $9 million,
One incredible thing about Fred Hoiberg is this; five years into his coaching career, he received the NBA head coaching job.
Hoiberg became only the sixth coach in team history to have a winning record in his first season after immediately leading Chicago to victory, as the Bulls ended with a 42-40 record in his first season in 2015–16.
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Who is the Best college Basketball Coach?
The best college basketball coach is the retired coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke. From our research, we found out that no one can beat him on this.
Aside from being a passionate college basketball coach, this former head coach has an annual salary record of $9.7 million with a net worth of $45 million.
Conclusion
Being a great basketball coach involves dedication, exceptional talents, and years of expertise. These highest paid college basketball coaches have a proven track record because they exhibit these characteristics.
Meanwhile, we’ll keep you updated on any latest development as regards the highest-paid basketball coach. For suggestions, do well to drop them in the comment section below.
FAQs
Who is the lowest-paid D1 basketball coach?
Eric Henderson (South Dakota State University) and Johnny Jones (Texas Southern University) are the lowest-paid coaches.
In 2021, their yearly pay was $275k and $250k, respectively.
How much does a NFL coach make?
The average NFL coach’s pay is around $6,692 million per year.
Who Is Highest paid NFL coach?
According to the publication, Sean McVay is likely the highest-paid coach in the NFL, earning between $15 and $18 million per year.
Bill Belichick earns $12.5 million each season and is ranked second.
Who is highest paid coach in the world?
Diego Pablo Simeone González, better known as Diego Simeone, is the world’s highest paid coach, earning $49.28 million annually.
Who is the highest paid NCAA basketball coach?
Bill Self is the highest-paid NCAA college basketball coach in the US. For the 2021-22 season, Kansas’ head coach is at the top of the list.
He earned $10,184,282, over $2 million more than the second-highest-paid coach.
Who is the highest paid black college football coach?
The highest paid black college football coach is Mel Tucker. Mel made history by becoming the highest-paid black coach in sports when he signed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension with Michigan State last November.
Who is the lowest-paid D1 basketball coach?
Eric Henderson (South Dakota State University) and Johnny Jones (Texas Southern University) are the lowest-paid coaches.
In 2021, their yearly pay was $275k and $250k, respectively.
How much does a NFL coach make?
The average NFL coach’s pay is around $6,692 million per year.
Who Is Highest paid NFL coach?
According to the publication, Sean McVay is likely the highest-paid coach in the NFL, earning between $15 and $18 million per year.
Bill Belichick earns $12.5 million each season and is ranked second.
Who is highest paid coach in the world?
Diego Pablo Simeone González, better known as Diego Simeone, is the world’s highest paid coach, earning $49.28 million annually.
Who is the highest paid NCAA basketball coach?
Bill Self is the highest-paid NCAA college basketball coach in the US. For the 2021-22 season, Kansas’ head coach is at the top of the list.
He earned $10,184,282, over $2 million more than the second-highest-paid coach.
Who is the highest paid black college football coach?
The highest paid black college football coach is Mel Tucker. Mel made history by becoming the highest-paid black coach in sports when he signed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension with Michigan State last November.
References
- goBankingrate – How Rich Are Mike Krzyzewski and Other Top-Paid College
- work.chron – The average salary of a college basketball coach
- gmtm – Who Is The Highest-Paid Coach in College Sports?
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