From Jon Scheyer to Bill Self: How the Highest-Paid College Basketball Coaches Shape Champions — Top 25 Earners Revealed…

From Jon Scheyer to Bill Self: How the Highest-Paid College Basketball Coaches Shape Champions — Top 25 Earners Revealed…

 

In the high-stakes world of college basketball, it’s not just the players making headlines — the coaches are raking in millions and shaping dynasties. From Duke’s rising star Jon Scheyer to Kansas veteran Bill Self, the highest-paid coaches in the NCAA aren’t just leading programs — they’re building legacies, commanding massive salaries, and often determining who cuts down the nets in March.

 

According to the latest data compiled for the 2025 season, the salaries of the top 25 college basketball coaches reveal just how much value universities place on winning, leadership, and national exposure. These coaches aren’t just instructors — they are CEOs of powerhouse programs, recruiters of future NBA talent, and the faces of multi-million dollar brands.

 

Leading the Pack

 

At the top of the list sits Bill Self, head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who is pulling in over \$10 million annually thanks to his contract extension, performance bonuses, and other incentives. Self, who led Kansas to national championships in 2008 and 2022, remains one of the most successful and influential figures in college basketball today.

 

Closely following are John Calipari of Kentucky and Tom Izzo of Michigan State, each commanding salaries in the \$7–9 million range. Both have built reputations for consistently developing NBA talent and leading deep tournament runs.

 

Jon Scheyer’s Meteoric Rise

 

One of the fastest risers on the list is Jon Scheyer, who took over the Duke program after Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement. Despite being relatively new to the head coaching world, Scheyer is already earning upwards of \$4.5 million per year — a reflection of Duke’s belief in his long-term vision. Under his leadership, the Blue Devils have maintained their status as an ACC and national contender.

 

Scheyer’s quick ascent highlights a growing trend: elite programs are willing to invest heavily in young, energetic coaches who can recruit at a high level and manage today’s evolving game, which now includes NIL dynamics and the transfer portal.

 

What’s Behind the Big Paychecks?

 

Several factors fuel these massive coaching salaries:

 

Revenue Generation: College basketball programs like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky bring in tens of millions annually in TV deals, merchandise, and ticket sales.

Winning Matters: Deep runs in the NCAA tournament boost not only a school’s brand but its bottom line. Coaches who can consistently deliver are worth the investment.

Recruiting Power: Top coaches attract top players. That pipeline to the NBA keeps schools relevant and profitable.

 

Top 25 Coaches by Salary (Highlights)

 

1. Bill Self (Kansas) – \$10.2M

2. John Calipari (Kentucky) – \$9.1M

3. Tom Izzo (Michigan State) – \$7.8M

4. Scott Drew (Baylor) – \$6.5M

5. Jon Scheyer (Duke) – \$4.5M

(Full list available through NCAA financial reports and school releases)

 

As March Madness continues to be one of the most-watched events in American sports, these coaches remain at the center of it all — not just for the X’s and O’s, but for how they shape the future of college basketball, one million-dollar contract at a time.