Kelvin Sampson Signs Extension, Becomes One of CBB’s Highest-Paid Coaches

Kelvin Sampson isn’t going anywhere—and he’s getting paid like a national title contender.

Fresh off guiding Houston to a national runner-up finish, Sampson has agreed to a new four-year deal that will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball, per multiple reports.

While exact terms haven’t been disclosed, the contract ranks among the top 10 in the nation and is the most lucrative in school history across all sports.

The extension tacks two years onto Sampson’s previous deal, locking him in through the 2028–29 season.

He still had at least $9.8 million remaining, but Houston clearly wanted to eliminate any doubt about its long-term investment in the 69-year-old head coach.

And why not?

Since taking over in 2014, Sampson has transformed Houston into a national powerhouse. The Cougars are 299–84 under his watch, have won at least 30 games in five separate seasons, and are coming off three straight No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Over the past two seasons, Houston has won back-to-back Big 12 regular season titles, a conference tournament title, and earned Sampson consecutive Big 12 Coach of the Year honors. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2024.

Even with Houston’s move to the Big 12, the winning hasn’t stopped. In fact, it’s escalated.

By locking up Sampson, Houston sends a message: The Cougars are here to stay—and they’ll be a problem for anyone hoping to dethrone them as kings of the Big 12.