After 36-year-old coach Kim Caldwell led the Tennessee Volunteers to a 24-10 record in the regular season and a journey to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, the program rewarded her by raising her base salary by 33 per cent to $1 million annually and extending her deal through 2030.
After this new contract kicked in, Caldwell joined the likes of Dawn Staley, Kim Mulkey, Vic Schaefer, and a few select colleagues among the top 25 highest-paid coaches in the nation and fifth in the SEC in base pay. Caldwell’s new contract comes with special perks, including family travel to away games and personal aircraft use for up to 10 legs or 15 hours.
Tennessee’s Kim Caldwell is now one of the highest paid coaches in the country. Her reworked contract and one-year extension in March raised her annual base salary to $1 million.https://t.co/IKa13tEqPt
— Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) July 3, 2025
While comparing Staley’s contract with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Caldwell’s contract does pale in comparison.
In January, Staley inked an extension through 2029–30 for $4 million per year (with a $250k escalator and $500k bonus). That’s four times that of Caldwell’s contract, excluding bonuses and incentives. This extension makes Staley the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history.
Under her leadership, South Carolina went undefeated (38–0 in 2023–24), won three national titles and almost came close to winning another last season.
Kim Caldwell’s Work With Tennessee Leaves AD Impressed
Before receiving the new contract, Kim Caldwell was earning $750,000 annually. However, she has done a lot of work with the Vols in just her first season.
Her inaugural season with the Vols included a thrilling upset of Ohio State in the Sweet 16 and a first victory over UConn since 2007. Under her guidance, the program registered a record 343 3-pointers and top-20 rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Moreover, she did so all while pregnant. She gave birth in January and only missed one game before returning back to the sidelines. Meanwhile, the program recorded the country’s fifth-highest home attendance figures.
Caldwell’s impressive work caught the attention of Athletic Director Danny White, who had this to say after signing the head coach to a new contract:
“From our first meeting with Kim, it was clear that she is a groundbreaking innovator destined to lead the future of women’s basketball. In just one season, we experienced firsthand how her winning formula can revolutionize the game with her dynamic, high-octane offense and relentless defense. The promising future of Lady Vols basketball is in great hands under Kim’s leadership, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead!”
After her impressive inaugural season, Caldwell said:
“I am very proud of our players and staff for the effort they put in and for what we accomplished together. I look forward to getting back to work, finding ways we can improve our program and continuing to take the steps necessary to compete for championships.”
Tennessee lost to Texas 67-59 to end their season.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
