Salary: $8,803,800
Self remains the highest earner, thanks to a reworked lifetime deal with Kansas in 2023. He pocketed over $8.8 million this year, with a buyout of $23.1 million. Self led the Jayhawks to a 2022 national title, but recent second-round exits signal a dip. This year’s No. 7 seed was Kansas’s lowest under his tenure.
Salary: $8,000,000
Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas this offseason, signing a five-year deal through 2029. His base pay is $500,000, with $6.5 million in additional compensation, totaling $8 million annually, plus potential bonuses. He quickly turned Arkansas around, earning a No. 10 seed after the Razorbacks missed last year’s tournament.
Salary: $7,775,000
Hurley’s back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024 secured his UConn contract through 2028-29. The Huskies posted a 68-11 record over the past two seasons. This year, they went 23-10, earning a No. 8 seed—the lowest in their five-year tournament streak. Hurley’s pay reflects his elite status.
Salary: $6,750,000
Golden’s new six-year deal, signed in 2024, makes him the fourth-highest-paid coach. Earning $6.75 million annually, he received a $500,000 signing bonus. Florida’s 24-12 record last season and a No. 7 seed this year show his impact. His rapid rise hints at Florida’s investment in a promising young coach.
Salary: $6,200,000
Izzo’s 2022 “Spartan for Life” contract keeps him in East Lansing. If he retires, he’ll transition to a special advisor role at $6.2 million for the first year, then $750,000 annually. At 70, Izzo’s not slowing down. Michigan State’s No. 2 seed this year was its best since 2018-19.
Salary: $6,100,000
Cronin’s six-year extension from 2022 runs through 2027-28, with performance bonuses. He led UCLA to the 2021 Final Four and two Sweet 16s. After a 16-17 season in 2023-24 kept them out of March Madness, they returned as a No. 7 seed this year.
'Pathetic Coach Behavior': Fans Rip Bruce Pearl As Auburn HC Trolls Rivals Alabama After FSU Upset
'Pathetic Coach Behavior': Fans Rip Bruce Pearl As Auburn HC Trolls Rivals Alabama After FSU Upset
Salary: $5,800,000
Barnes signed a four-year extension before 2023-24, averaging $5.88 million annually, peaking at $6 million in the final two years. He’s driven Tennessee to three Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight last season, cementing his value.
Salary: $5,410,061
Drew nearly joined Kentucky last offseason but stayed in Waco. In 22 years, he’s delivered three Elite Eights and a national title. Baylor’s five straight tournament appearances continued with a No. 9 seed this year, down from recent No. 1 and No. 3 seeds.
Salary: $5,250,000
Lloyd’s February 2024 contract ties him to Arizona through 2028-29. He earns $5.25 million now, rising to $6 million later. The Wildcats have made the tournament all four years under him, with two Sweet 16s. A 22-12 season earned a No. 4 seed despite 10 losses in 2025.
