T.J. Otzelberger Inks Massive Contract Extension With Cyclones

After leading Iowa State men’s basketball to its third Sweet 16 appearance in the last five seasons, Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger has agreed to a new long-term contract extension that will keep him in Ames through June 30, 2036.

The deal includes a raise placing Otzelberger among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball, with an annual salary of $6 million.

“Coach Otzelberger has elevated our men’s basketball program into a perennial NCAA Tournament and Top 25 team,” athletics director Jamie Pollard said. “This contract extension demonstrates Iowa State University’s commitment to him by making him one of the highest-paid basketball coaches in the country. We are excited to reward him for the success we have enjoyed during his first five years leading the Cyclones, and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

“I’m thankful for the support of our president, Dr. Cook, and our athletics director, Jamie Pollard,” Otzelberger said. “We are humbled and grateful to continue leading a program that means so much to us. Iowa State is home for my family, and we’re excited to be part of this community for years to come.”

“Coach Otzelberger’s commitment to Iowa State University and our men’s basketball program is a true reflection of his character and values,” Iowa State President David Cook said. “He has reshaped the culture of our men’s basketball program in a way that fosters success and the development of our student-athletes as players and young men. I am proud of the way he represents Iowa State and thrilled that he will continue leading the team as our head coach for the next ten years.”

Iowa State’s Success Under Otzelberger

Iowa State capped the 2025–26 season with a 29–8 record, tied for the second-most wins in program history. The Cyclones finished No. 8 in the final AP Top 25 poll and extended their ranking streak to 52 consecutive weeks — the second-longest in school history and the fourth-longest active streak nationally. ISU advanced to the Sweet 16 for the eighth time in program history during the program’s 25th NCAA Tournament appearance.

Hired as the 21st head coach in program history on March 18, 2021, Otzelberger inherited a program coming off a 2–22 season. Since then, he led Iowa State to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16 runs (2022, 2024, 2026), and a Big 12 Tournament championship in 2024.

Otzelberger owns a 124–53 overall record at Iowa State, including a 54–38 mark in Big 12 Conference play. His .701 winning percentage overall and .587 conference winning percentage are both school records. He is also the only coach in program history to guide multiple teams to the Sweet 16 and owns 30 career wins over AP Top 25 opponents, including 15 against Top 10 teams.