Mick Cronin isn’t just any college basketball coach—he’s the fiery, no-nonsense leader of the UCLA Bruins. From guiding his team to deep NCAA Tournament runs to ensuring UCLA remains a powerhouse in the sport, Cronin has become a household name in college hoops.
As one of the highest-paid coaches in the game, Cronin’s salary and contract have been a hot topic. So, how much is he making? What’s his net worth? Let’s break it all down.
Mick Cronin’s Salary & Contract
If you coach at UCLA, you’re expected to win—and win big. That’s why the Bruins have invested heavily in Cronin, ensuring he stays in Westwood for years to come.
In March 2022, UCLA extended Cronin’s contract, keeping him on board through the 2027–28 season. This deal made him the highest-paid coach in the Pac-12 at the time, earning him a cool $4.1 million per year. That’s not too shabby for a guy who once started his coaching career as a video coordinator.
Cronin’s contract isn’t just about a big base salary—it also includes performance-based incentives. While the exact details aren’t fully disclosed, these typically involve bonuses for conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and Final Four runs.
Given that he led UCLA to the Final Four in 2021, you can bet those incentives have already started paying off.
When UCLA announced the contract extension, the athletic department praised Cronin for bringing a winning culture, strong recruiting, and national relevance back to the program.
And let’s be honest—securing a top-tier coach in today’s competitive college basketball landscape isn’t cheap. The Bruins made a statement by locking him in the long term.
If you’re wondering how Cronin’s salary compares to other top college basketball coaches, he’s right up there with some of the sport’s biggest names. While Bill Self (Kansas) and John Calipari (Kentucky) earn over $8 million per year, Cronin’s $4.1 million salary keeps him among the upper echelon of coaches.
With UCLA’s transition to the Big Ten, if he continues to deliver wins, he could earn even bigger paydays.
Mick Cronin’s Net Worth
So, with all that cash rolling in, what’s Mick Cronin’s net worth? As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $20 million, up from $19 million in 2021. That’s a solid financial trajectory, especially considering his coaching career started with modest paychecks at Murray State and Cincinnati.
MORE COACH CONTRACT BREAKDOWNS: UNC COACH HUBERT DAVIS | AUBURN COACH BRUCE PEARL
But coaching salaries aren’t the only way college basketball’s top figures make money. While Cronin isn’t as flashy as some coaches who ink major endorsement deals, he still benefits from additional revenue streams.
As one of the top minds in the game, Cronin is often invited to basketball camps, corporate events, and coaching clinics. Booking him for an event? That’ll cost you a pretty penny.
College basketball analysts also frequently seek Cronin’s insights on ESPN, Fox Sports, or radio shows. These appearances help boost his public profile.
Finally, while Cronin isn’t known for massive endorsement deals like some high-profile coaches, it wouldn’t be surprising if companies aligned with his success at UCLA in the future.
One of the biggest reasons Cronin’s net worth continues to rise is job security. In a world where coaching turnover is high, UCLA has committed to keeping him around. That means he’ll keep earning top-tier salaries for the foreseeable future.
What’s Next for Cronin?
With UCLA now in the basketball-talent-rich Big Ten, Cronin’s job is even more challenging. He’ll be competing against the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, and Indiana—programs that invest heavily in their basketball teams.
Beyond that, there’s always speculation about top college coaches making the jump to the NBA. While Cronin has been linked to pro-jobs before, he seems committed to building a dynasty at UCLA. Still, if the right opportunity came along—with an NBA team offering $8-10 million per year—would he consider it? Never say never.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
