As most of America knows, the NCAA Tournament tips off later today with the first-round “play-in” games featuring a few of the 68 teams hoping to be this year’s Cinderella. And while all of us are typically glued to our TVs, computers, tablets or even cell phones to keep up with all the Madness, the NCAA is making some serious coin from all the intrigue and interest that fans have, bringing in money that makes you wonder why college athletes aren’t getting paid themselves. On top of schools generating millions of dollars thanks to endorsements with athletic companies like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas that will be represented all over the hardwood during these games, coaches salaries have grown enormously as well—and these are the top-earning coaches in NCAA men’s hoops.
5. Tom Izzo, Michigan State – $3.7 million
He might “only” have one national title in his 19 seasons in East Lansing, but Tom Izzo’s Michigan State program has been one of the most consistent in that span, reaching five Final Fours since then. It’s one reason why the school has done what it can to lock Izzo up for a long time, insuring that he doesn’t get tempted to go elsewhere for larger money.
4. Bill Self, Kansas – $5 million
Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self has already won one national title since being in Lawrence, and he has a talented club to do the same again this year. Landing guys like the nation’s top recruit Andrew Wiggins is just one reason why Self gets paid $5 million, while also representing a blue blood program like Kansas on an everyday basis with honor and pride.
3. Rick Pitino, Louisville – $5 million
Leading his Louisville team to the national title last year, Rick Pitino has proven to be one of the best coaches in the history of college hoops. On top of his $4 million salary, Pitino gets nearly $1 million more in other income, which stems from sponsors tossing money his way.
2. John Calipari, Kentucky – $5.4 million
Cal might just be the best recruiter in all of basketball, solidifying the nation’s top classes pretty much every single year he took the Kentucky job back in 2009. John Calipari knows that Kentucky basketball is like being the CEO at one of the most-prestigious companies in the world, so it’s no wonder he gets comped like it. Delivering national titles and deep tourney runs doesn’t hurt.
1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke – $7.25 million
Making nearly $2 million more than the next highest coach in the game, the legendary Duke head coach makes more than you might imagine. While other coaches on this list have small endorsements or compensation from sponsors, all of Coach K’s earnings comes from his salary alone, meaning Duke has made sure the guy is never tempted to leave.
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