The highest-paid men’s college basketball coaches in 2025–26 showcase the elite leaders of the sport, combining on-court success, recruiting ability, and program revenue. Coaching salaries in college basketball don’t only reflect wins and championships, but also the expectations of boosters, fan bases, and television contracts. As the market continues to grow, the top coaches are commanding salaries that rival those in professional sports.
5) Tom Izzo – Michigan State University – $6.2 million
Not only is Tom Izzo a terrific coach, but he is also a symbol for Michigan State University and the Spartans. In 2022, MSU agreed to new terms on a contract that pays him $6.2 million annually. Since 1995-96, Izzo has led the Spartans to 737 wins and 302 losses. He has 27 tournament appearances, eight Final Four appearances, and one championship.
4) Todd Golden – University of Florida – $6.75 million
Todd Golden’s yearly salary at the University of Florida is $6.75 million, totaling $40.5 million through March 31, 2031. Only three years into his tenure at Florida, Golden guided the Gators to their third national championship in program history, and their first since 2007.
At age 39, Golden became the youngest coach in more than four decades to take his team to a national championship and win. In his three years, the Gators have a record of 76-33, including a 36-4 record last year.
3) Dan Hurley – University of Connecticut – $7.75 million
Dan Hurley and the University of Connecticut came into last year’s tournament as an eight seed, their lowest ranking in the past five years. Especially disappointing given that they won back to back championships in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
With this championship pedigree, the Huskies locked up one of the best coaches in the league in Hurley, with a yearly salary of $7.75 million. Hurley is locked through the 2028-2029 season and looks to get back on track after a disappointing end to last season.
2) John Calipari – University of Arkansas – $8.0 million
In a surprising twist, after the 2023-2024 college basketball season, John Calipari left the University of Kentucky for the University of Arkansas. Arkansas made Calipari the second-highest-paid coach in college basketball, with a yearly salary of $8 million. The deal spans five years in length and runs through the 2029 college basketball season.
Early returns appear to be paying off as Calipari led the team to a Sweet 16 appearance as a 10-seed. The Razorbacks were abysmal in SEC play but, he helped ignite a fire within his team to get them into the tournament.
1) Bill Self – University of Kansas – $8.8 million
Bill Self is the highest-paid coach among the top of the highest-paid men’s basketball coaches in 2025-26 with a salary of $8.8 million. Self has a lifetime contract with the University of Kansas, and rightfully so, as he has led them to two national championships in his tenure.
Since their last national championship win in 2022, the Jayhawks have made the tournament but haven’t performed to their standards. In 2024-25, the Jayhawks earned a no. 7 seed, the worst of Self’s era.
