Ohio State women’s basketball head coach Kevin McGuff has built a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in the game. Known for his strategic mind and impressive track record, McGuff has cemented himself as a cornerstone of Ohio State’s basketball program.
But beyond the accolades, fans often wonder how much Kevin McGuff is making. What does his contract look like? And where does he rank among the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball?
Let’s break it all down, from his salary and contract details to his estimated net worth.
Kevin McGuff’s Salary & Contract in 2025
McGuff’s impact on Ohio State basketball has not gone unnoticed, and the university has made sure to reward him accordingly. In May 2022, Ohio State extended McGuff’s contract through the 2025-26 season.
This ensured his stability at the helm of the women’s basketball program. The deal, which came as part of a broader commitment to top-tier coaching talent within the university, significantly boosted McGuff’s annual earnings.
So, how much is he making? Under his current contract, McGuff earns a base salary of $675,000 per year, but that’s not the whole story. His total annual compensation, including bonuses and incentives, pushes his earnings up to a cool $1.05 million per year.
This lucrative deal places him among the top 25 highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball. Now, considering the recent rise in coaching salaries across the sport, McGuff’s deal is competitive for a coach of his caliber. But what exactly makes him worth that investment?
Since taking over in 2013, he has transformed Ohio State into one of the Big Ten’s most dominant programs. Not only that, but also regularly leading the team to deep NCAA Tournament runs. Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith was vocal about the school’s belief in McGuff when announcing the contract extension:
“We are excited about the direction of our women’s basketball program under Kevin’s guidance and look forward to continued success in the coming years.”
In addition to his base salary, McGuff’s contract includes performance-based incentives, which allow him to earn additional bonuses for achievements such as:
- Winning the Big Ten regular-season title
- Winning the Big Ten Tournament
- Advancing to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Elite Eight, or Final Four
- Winning a national championship
With Ohio State positioned as a perennial NCAA Tournament contender, McGuff has ample opportunity to cash in on these bonuses.
Kevin McGuff’s Net Worth
While exact figures regarding McGuff’s net worth remain speculative, his career earnings and consistent high-level salaries indicate a substantial financial standing. Given that he has been earning seven figures annually for multiple years, it is reasonable to estimate his net worth to be in the range of $5-7 million.
Unlike some high-profile college coaches, McGuff’s earnings are primarily tied to his contract rather than major endorsement deals.
However, it’s worth noting that additional income sources, such as speaking engagements, basketball camps, and other coaching-related activities, likely contribute to his overall financial portfolio.
For comparison, McGuff’s salary is significantly lower than some of the highest-paid women’s basketball coaches, such as
- Dawn Staley (South Carolina): $3.1 million per year
- Geno Auriemma (UConn): $2.9 million per year
- Kim Mulkey (LSU): $3.3 million per year
However, McGuff’s salary remains competitive within the Big Ten. As women’s basketball coaching salaries continue to rise, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him negotiate an even bigger deal in the future.
Looking ahead, McGuff’s future at Ohio State appears secure. With his current contract running through 2026, there’s little reason to believe he’ll be leaving Columbus anytime soon.
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However, the landscape of women’s college basketball is evolving rapidly. If McGuff continues to lead Ohio State deep into the NCAA Tournament, a contract extension — or even a more lucrative deal — could be on the horizon.
Could McGuff one day crack the $2 million per year mark? It’s certainly possible. As more schools recognize the value of elite coaching, the demand for proven winners will only grow.
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