One of the names to watch will be Ben McCollum. The Iowa Hawkeyes coach signed a six-year, $22.75 million contract in May 2025, which will run through the 2030-31 season. After finding success at Drake, McCollum led Iowa to an Elite Eight run this season. The first time the Hawkeyes reached deep in the NCAA Tournament since 1987.
Advertisement
McCollum’s deal includes significant performance bonuses and a high buyout structure throughout his coaching career. This is to prevent other schools from trying to steal it, especially by showing significant improvements with the program in its first year.
One of the schools recently linked to McCollum was North Carolina. After the firing of Hubert Davis, the program needs to take a step in the right direction. One of the main selling points is McCollum’s track record at all levels thus far.
Ben McCollum Terms of Purchase
McCollum’s contract with the University of Iowa includes a $4 million buyout if he leaves before April 1, 2027, which drops by $1 million after that date annually through 2030 and reaches $0 in 2031, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Advertisement
If Iowa fires McCollum without cause, the school would owe him 80 percent of his remaining compensation in the first three years and 60 percent in the final three years, with compensation for new jobs.
Ben McCollum Incentives and Bonuses
This year was a good one for McCollum. The Elite Eight race earned him an additional $150,000. Here’s a look at some of the key bonuses included in his contract, according to the Des Moines Register.
regular season
$75,000 Big Ten Regular Season Champions or Co-Champions
$50,000 Big Ten Tournament Championship Win
NCAA Tournament
$50,000 per NCAA Tournament invitation or top-four win
$75,000 to advance the NCAA tournament to the round of 32
$100,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to Sweet 16
$150,000 for NCAA Tournament Advancement to Elite 8
$200,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to Final Four
$300,000 for the NCAA Tournament to advance to the National Championship
$400,000 for winning the NCAA Tournament Championship
Advertisement
Academic
$25,000 if APR is greater than or equal to 940
$50,000 if APR is greater than or equal to 960
$75,000 if APR is greater than or equal to 980
Coach of the year
$50,000 for National Coach of the Year
$25,000 for Big Ten Coach of the Year