The world of college basketball is a high-stakes game, not just for the players on the court, but also for the coaches who lead them to victory.
These coaches represent the top tier of the college basketball coaching world, commanding significant salaries for their proven track records and ability to attract top talent.
As the season unfolds, it will be exciting to see which coaches and their teams make a run for the ultimate prize, the national championship.
1. Bill Self
- Team: Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
- Salary: $13.7 million
A coaching legend with two national championships and three Final Four appearances under his belt, Bill Self's hefty price tag reflects his consistent success at Kansas.
Self has transformed Kansas into a perennial powerhouse. 16 Big 12 regular-season titles, and about 787 career wins paint a vivid picture of his dominance.
He's a master motivator, instilling a culture of discipline and hard work that has produced NBA stars like Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, and Frank Mason III.
2. John Calipari
- Team: Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
- Salary: $8.5 million
John Calipari, the charismatic head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, isn't just known for his sideline energy and one-liners.
Calipari is known as a master recruiter, bringing in top talent year after year and leading Kentucky to one national championship in 2012 and four Final Four appearances.
He's also produced a staggering 31 one-and-done NBA draft picks, transforming Kentucky into a breeding ground for future stars like Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Devin Booker.
3. Tom Izzo
- Team: Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
- Salary: $6.2 million
Tom Izzo, the Spartans' fiery head coach, is not just a household name in East Lansing. He has etched his legacy as one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball history.
Izzo's journey began as an assistant coach at Michigan State under Jud Heathcote in 1983. His dedication and passion soon earned him the head coach position in 1995.
He led the Spartans to their first national championship in 2000, defeating Butler in a thrilling overtime game and has guided Michigan State to eight Final Fours.
4. Rick Barnes
- Team: Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball
- Salary: $5.77 million
A veteran coach with about 786 career wins, Rick Barnes has revitalized Tennessee's program, ranking among the all-time winningest coaches in college basketball history.
Barnes' journey began not on the polished hardwood of prestigious arenas, but on the dusty courts of Hickory, North Carolina.
He's known for his ability to mold raw talent into polished stars, instilling in them not just basketball skills but also life lessons that transcend the court.
5. Bruce Pearl
- Team: Auburn Tigers men's basketball
- Salary: $5.65 million
In the dazzling arena of college basketball, where salaries soar alongside thrilling dunks, Bruce Pearl sits comfortably among the sport's highest-paid coaches.
His $5.65 million annual paycheck reflects not just his fiery coaching style, but also a track record of success that has Auburn roaring.
Since arriving in 2014, Bruce has transformed the Tigers into a national powerhouse. He's steered them to four NCAA Tournaments, culminating in a magical Final Four run in 2019.
6. Dan Hurley
- Team: UConn Huskies men's basketball
- Salary: $5 million
Dan Hurley's ascent to the top tier of college basketball coaches is a testament to his unwavering passion and relentless work ethic.
His arrival at UConn in 2018 marked a turning point for the storied program, leading the Huskies to a significant improvement in his first season with a 17-16 record.
In June 2023, Dan signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.
His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in UConn's fifth national title, solidifying his place among the elite coaches in college basketball.
7. Tony Bennett
- Team: Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball
- Salary: $4.8 million
Among the highest-paid coaches sits Tony Bennett, the architect of Virginia's defensive juggernaut and a maestro of the pack-line system.
Bennett's coaching journey is a tapestry woven with accolades. He's the architect of Virginia's 2019 national championship victory, a feat etched in NCAA history.
The "pack-line" defense, a brainchild of Bennett's father Dick, emphasizes disciplined rotations, help-side defense, and relentless pressure.
Ty Jerome, De'Andre Hunter, and Malcolm Brogdon are just a few examples of Bennett's defensive alchemy turning raw talent into NBA-ready commodities.
8. Brad Underwood
- Team: Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball
- Salary: $4.6 million
From small-town Oklahoma to the illustrious halls of the University of Illinois, Brad Underwood's journey is as impressive as his $4.6 million price tag.
In just six seasons, he has reawakened the Fighting Illini, leading them to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, a Big Ten championship game, and a 114-79 record.
His high-tempo offense, dubbed "Flyin' Illini," has become a fan favorite, attracting top recruits and electrifying the Champaign faithful.
9. Eric Musselman
- Team: Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball
- Salary: $4.2 million
Eric Musselman has injected a potent blend of high-octane offense and relentless defense into Arkansas, transforming them into national contenders.
After a successful stint as an NBA assistant, he took the helm at Nevada in 2015, leading them to two NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons.
His audacious offensive schemes and knack for player development caught the attention of the Razorbacks, who snatched him up in 2019.
He guided the Razorbacks to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 2021 and 2022, showcasing his ability to build a program at breakneck speed.
10. Mick Cronin
- Team: UCLA Bruins men's basketball
- Salary: $4.1 million
Mick Cronin may not yet sit at the very summit of college basketball's salary pyramid, but his climb has been impressive.
After a decade of rebuilding programs (Cincinnati) and contending for titles (Louisville), Cronin landed at UCLA in 2019, inheriting a program yearning for past glory.
While a national championship still dances just out of reach, Cronin's 2021 Final Four berth demonstrated his ability to guide the Bruins back to the sport's biggest stage.
He was named the Sporting News Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year in 2018.
11. Buzz Williams
- Team: Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball
- Salary: $4.1 million
Buzz Williams might not be basketball royalty, but his name hums with electric intensity in the NCAA's financial stratosphere.
His defensive schemes became his calling card, fierce and suffocating, earning him the nickname "The Buzz."
At Texas A&M, Williams hasn't just revitalized the program; he's orchestrated a seismic shift.
His players aren't just winning; they're playing with a relentless swagger that reflects their coach's own fiery passion.
12. Dana Altman
- Team: Oregon Ducks men's basketball
- Salary: $4 million
Dana Altman arrived in Eugene in 2010, inheriting a program with just two NCAA Tournament round of 32 appearance in the previous decade.
He guided the Oregon to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 11 seasons, including five Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eight, and a magical Final Four run in 2017.
Under Altman, the Ducks have dominated the Pac-12, claiming four regular-season conference championships and three Pac-12 Tournament titles.
13. Tommy Lloyd
- Team: Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
- Salary: $4 million
In just one season at the helm of the Arizona Wildcats, Tommy Lloyd has gone from coaching assistant to the country's 13th highest-paid coach, raking in a cool $4 million.
He inherited a talented Arizona squad yearning for a return to glory, and Lloyd delivered in spades.
Guiding them to a Pac-12 regular-season and two tournament championships, he capped it off with a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
He revitalized the program, reconnecting with the fan base and fostering a renewed excitement for Arizona basketball.
14. Kevin Willard
- Team: Maryland Terrapins men's basketball
- Salary: $3.9 million
Kevin Willard's trajectory at Maryland has put him firmly in the upper echelon, currently commanding a cool $3.9 million per year.
He earned his stripes at Seton Hall, guiding the Pirates to five NCAA Tournament appearances in 12 seasons, including a memorable Big East Championship in 2016.
His offensive acumen, known for its efficient ball movement and spacing, helped develop several NBA centers and point guards, a testament to his player development skills.
15. Chris Beard
- Team: Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball
- Salary: $3.25 million
Chris Beard may be fresh on the scene at Texas, but his salary screams veteran. Clocking in at $3.25 million, Beard cracks the top 15 highest-paid coaches in college basketball.
Beard's rise to coaching royalty began at Texas Tech, where in five seasons, he delivered a Big 12 regular-season title, two Elite Eight appearance.
Also Chris achieved the program's first ever National Championship berth, falling just short in a thrilling overtime battle.
His offensive system and relentless defensive philosophy earned him the coveted title of 2019 National Coach of the Year.
