The NCAA tournament field has been set. Now, millions of people are filling out brackets, trying to figure out the perfect upsets and Final Four teams. Though choosing the right squads may be an exercise in futility, there’s one safe bet during March Madness: college coaches make some good money.
Of the 68 teams in the tournament, 47 are public universities. This means their financial records, including coaching salaries, are accessible to the public. Interestingly, even the coach at the bottom of the pay scale—Byron Smith from Prairie View A&M—earned $107,000 this year. Not bad for a starting salary!
Each coach in the tournament averages over $2.1 million in salary, with a staggering total of nearly $96.3 million being paid out to these coaches in 2023. When considering additional benefits and outside income, the total likely exceeds $100 million. This figure does not even include the salaries of private university coaches, such as Coach K at Duke, who reportedly earns around $7 million annually.
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Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid public coaches in this year’s tournament, based on data from USA Today and Business Insider. Whether you’re filling out your brackets or just interested in college sports salaries, this information is enlightening!
John Calipari – Kentucky Wildcats: $7,950,000
This is John Calipari’s tenth season at Kentucky. His teams have made it to at least the Elite Eight six times, and the 2012 team, led by Anthony Davis, won the championship. If Kentucky ever wanted to buy him out, it would cost them a whopping $25 million!
Tony Bennett – Virginia Cavaliers: $4,150,000
Virginia made history last season as the first No. 1 seed to lose their opening game against a No. 16 seed. However, Bennett’s team is back at the top spot this year, showcasing their strong defense and improved offense. Anything less than a national title might be seen as a disappointment for this experienced squad!
Chris Mack – Louisville Cardinals: $4,007,494
The Cardinals’ first-round match-up is against Richard Pitino and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Chris Mack has successfully brought Louisville back to the tournament in his first year, but it came at a high cost—Louisville had to pay $2.9 million to buy him out from Xavier.
Bill Self – Kansas Jayhawks: $3,881,857
This year has been tough for Kansas, with injuries and player departures affecting their performance. Their 14-year Big 12 title streak ended, and they are now considered a potential upset pick in the tournament. However, Self’s teams are known for their resilience!
John Beilein – Michigan Wolverines: $3,800,000
Beilein has taken the Wolverines to the national title game twice, first in 2013 and again in 2018. The team has consistently reached the Sweet 16 in four of the last six seasons, making anything less this year a disappointment for fans!
Tom Izzo – Michigan State Spartans: $3,732,562
Izzo’s Spartans recently clinched the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. Although they have not advanced past the second weekend of the tournament since 2015, they are considered strong contenders for the Final Four this year!
Rick Barnes – Tennessee Volunteers: $3,250,000
The Tennessee Volunteers had a remarkable four-week stretch as the nation’s top program. With a strong and experienced roster, they are looking to make history by reaching their first Final Four in men’s basketball!
Lon Kruger – Oklahoma Sooners: $3,200,000
After a rocky start, Kruger has turned the Sooners' season around, leading them to a favorable first-round match-up. If he remains in Norman by May, he will receive an additional $600,000 annual stay benefit!
Chris Holtmann – Ohio State: $3,013,750
Despite suspending star player Kaleb Wesson, the Buckeyes managed to secure their spot in the tournament. Holtmann is also preparing for the future by offering scholarships to recruits before they finish high school!
Buzz Williams – Virginia Tech: $3,000,000
Williams is set to earn $3 million this year, but he may earn even more next season if he takes the vacant Texas A&M head coaching position. He is currently focused on leading the Hokies, who have already defeated Duke this season!
