Texas Tech took a major step toward securing its long-term future on by announcing a contract for head coach, one that positions him among the highest-paid coaches in college.
While the school hasn’t released official details, reports indicate the extension is worth \$31.5 million over six years, keeping him under contract through the 2031 season. This deal follows a one-year extension he signed after leading Texas Tech to the NCAA Tournament in his debut season. That previous deal raised his salary to \$3.9 million annually, but with this new agreement, he will now earn an average of \$5.25 million per year.
The raise puts him in rare company—only a dozen coaches in the country were making at least \$5 million per year as of early April. Kansas’ Bill Self tops the list at \$8.8 million annually, so McCasland’s new deal places him firmly among the elite.
For Texas Tech, this also marks a significant shift in priorities. Historically, the football coach has been the highest-paid employee on campus, given the revenue that sport generates. Football head coach Joey McGuire is under a six-year deal averaging around \$4.2 million annually, which is middle-tier among Big 12 coaches. But McCasland’s success—highlighted by an Elite Eight run this past season—has prompted the university to make basketball a top financial priority.
McCasland is now the third-highest-paid basketball coach in the Big 12, which reflects the significant progress he’s made with the Red Raiders. The extension also comes with strong job security measures. According to David Collier of KAMC, McCasland would owe 60% of his remaining contract if he chose to leave for another school in Texas—a clear move to discourage any interest in returning to Baylor, his alma mater.
Ultimately, Texas Tech’s investment sends a clear message: it is committed to maintaining a nationally competitive basketball program. And if McCasland continues to elevate the Red Raiders, the hefty price tag could turn out to be a bargain.