Money talks in college basketball, but for Texas Longhorns head coach Rodney Terry, the conversation is still catching up to the competition. Despite leading one of the nation’s most prestigious programs, Terry remains one of the lower-paid head coaches in the power conferences.
Breaking Down Rodney Terry’s Contract and Salary
With his name appearing in USA TODAY’s annual report on college basketball coaching salaries, it’s clear that Texas isn’t breaking the bank for him just yet.
However, as the Longhorns fought for an NCAA Tournament berth, Terry’s contract details—including his salary, bonuses, and buyout—are now under even greater scrutiny. Terry’s total compensation for the 2024-25 season is nearly $3.002 million. This is making him 45th among all Division I coaches and 14th in the SEC rankings. His contract consists of:
- Base salary: $3 million
- Paid bonuses: $75,000
- Additional payouts: $1,500
- Potential maximum bonus: $450,000 (contingent on Texas’ postseason performance)
This means that if the Longhorns could have made a deep run in March, Terry would have stood to significantly increase his earnings. His five-year contract, signed in March 2023, also includes a $5.4 million buyout. This ensured that Texas would need to pay that amount if they decided to move on before his deal expired.
These figures were compiled by Steve Berkowitz, Sean Dougherty, Leo Wotzak, and Thomas Barber of USA TODAY, offering a full perspective on where Terry ranks financially compared to other head coaches. While his earnings are respectable, they pale in comparison to the multimillion-dollar contracts of some of his high-profile SEC rivals.
Reports: Rodney Terry WIll Be Dismissed After Tournament Exit
Shortly after Texas’ heartbreaking loss, reports surfaced that Terry is likely to be dismissed from his position. The decision marked the end of a roller-coaster tenure for Terry, who took over the program in 2022 amid controversy following the firing of Chris Beard.
Terry posted an overall record of 62-37 in three seasons, leading Texas to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances and securing a Big 12 Tournament title. His most impressive campaign came in 2023 when he guided the Longhorns to an Elite Eight appearance and was named Sporting News National Coach of the Year.
However, this past season’s struggles in the SEC, combined with the Xavier loss, ultimately led to the program moving in a different direction.
When asked about his job status following the defeat, Terry reflected on his time at Texas with pride and faith.
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“I’ve been at Texas 13 years, and there’s not a year I haven’t made the NCAA Tournament or been a part of the NCAA Tournament,” Terry said.
“I have a lot of pride in terms of being a Longhorn. I love being at Texas. I don’t think anyone has been a part of Texas basketball that’s been more successful than myself. I’ve been a part of the top five seasons in this program’s history.”
He continued, expressing his deep faith in the outcome of his career.
“At the end of the day, it’s in God’s hands. At the end of the day, I live my life, I’m a believer, and if God has plans for me to be here, then I’ll be here. If He has plans for me to be somewhere else, He’s the one with the master plan at all times. That’s what I live my life by. I don’t live my life by no man. I live my life by God. I got strong faith.”
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