Women's College Basketball: Top coaches bonuses revealed after NCAA Tournament
The top bonuses for head coaches were revealed following the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Dawn Staley led the South Carolina Gamecocks to an undefeated season and a national title. The Iowa Hawkeyes were the runner ups for the second straight season.
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Let’s dive into the coaches who received the biggest bonuses after the NCAA Tournament, courtesy of USA Today.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina: $680,000
South Carolina just finished off an undefeated season and another national championship under Staley. All eyes were on Caitlin Clark leading up to the final, but the Gamecocks spoiled the party.
This was a team that some questioned this year, but Staley coached her girls to a perfect campaign. You really can’t get any more impressive than that.
Lisa Bluder, Iowa: $310,000
You can’t deny the job Bluder did this year. Yes, she had a generational talent in Caitlin Clark, who arguably elevated the women’s game more than anyone over the last four years.
But, you don’t get to two straight national title games by accident. Clark was the biggest reason why, but you have to be able to put the right team out there, call the right plays and have the right culture.
Geno Auriemma, UConn: $262,500
Auriemma is probably used to bonuses like this considering he’s been to the Final Four ad nauseum, as well as winning 11 national titles. This year wasn’t any different from that lens.
However, he was able to lead UConn to the Final Four with, essentially, five players. The Huskies had a short bench for this run, making it that much more impressive.
Wes Moore, NC State: $200,000
Not too shabby for Moore this year huh? A Final Four appearance gets him quite the bonus after leading the Wolfpack almost all the way.
Finishing 31-7, this is the furthest he’s even taken NC State. Heck, they made the Elite Eight two years ago and were conference champions, but Moore elevated the program in 2024.
Vic Schaefer, Texas: $175,000
Schaefer earned his extra money this season, leading the Longhorns to 33 wins. Texas won the Big 12 Tournament title and had a run to the Elite Eight.
That’s the second time in three years Texas has a season like that. It was also the third Elite Eight appearance in Schaeffer’s four seasons, but they have yet to make it to the Final Four.
JR Payne, Colorado: $165,000
It’s been a steady climb for Payne at Colorado and she’s led the Buffaloes to three straight tournaments. Not to mention they’ve won 22 or more games each of the seasons.
Back to back Sweet 16 appearances is, well, sweet. Payne and her crew just happened to run into Caitlin Clark in that round this season.
Other top bonuses for Women’s College Basketball coaches
Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Ole Miss: $105,000
Jeff Mittie, Kansas State: $80,400
Courtney Banghart, North Carolina: $80,000
Amy Williams, Nebraska: $71,500
Jennie Baranczyk, Oklahoma: $65,000
Kevin McGuff, Ohio State: $60,000
Kristy Curry, Alabama: $50,000
Jeff Schneider, Kansas: $50,000
Joni Taylor, Texas A&M: $50,000
Women’s basketball reached new heights this season due to star players and teams. How will it go next year or can it be sustained? The entire sport is certainly on the up and up with these coaches.