In a decisive move to secure basketball excellence, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks have locked in head coach Takayo Siddle with a five-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season.
The agreement approved during an emergency Board of Trustees session on April 13, 2023, cements the university’s commitment to building a sustainable winning program.
UNCW Makes Strategic Investment in Takayo Siddle
During Siddle’s head coach stint the Seahawks achieved outstanding results as they got 58 victories against 29 defeats while playing three seasons together. The 33-16 win record in Colonial Athletic Association play under Siddle has made UNCW a conference leader that has reached the CAA Tournament championship game in two consecutive years.
Reported by UNCW, Athletic Director Michael Oblinger emphasized the strategic importance of retaining Siddle,
Early on, it was clear to me that we had the right leader in place for our men’s basketball program, and making sure he felt supported was a top priority,” Oblinger said.
This extension demonstrates UNCW’s dedication to maintaining leadership stability during a crucial growth period.
Siddle expressed appreciation for the administration’s confidence.
“I have been inspired by their commitment, support, and vision for our program. I look forward to the great things we will achieve together in the future,” Siddle said.
Enhanced Incentives Structure
While Siddle’s base salary remains at $300,000 annually, the extension introduces a robust package of performance incentives designed to reward excellence both on and off the court. Academic achievement receives particular emphasis, with a $5,000 bonus tied to maintaining an Academic Progress Rate above 960.
The contract strategically aligns financial rewards with postseason success. NCAA Tournament appearances now earn Siddle $25,000 per game while CAA regular season and tournament championships each trigger $25,000 bonuses.
Additional incentives include $15,000 for 25 win seasons and achieving a Top 100 NCAA NET Ranking on Selection Sunday.
The Seahawks unfortunately are out in the NCAA Tournament after losing to Texas Tech in the first round. They will face challenging matchups in the upcoming season as they work to convert recent championship game appearances into titles.
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
With Charleston and Hofstra fielding competitive rosters and Northeastern making coaching changes the CAA landscape remains dynamic. However, UNCW’s long term commitment to Siddle positions the program to capitalize on recruiting momentum and developing talent pipelines established during his tenure.
Looking ahead, this partnership represents a model for mid-major sustainability, investing in proven leadership while providing enhanced resources to compete at higher levels.
As other CAA programs make coaching transitions, UNCW’s stability could prove decisive in conference standings.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
