Minnesota Basketball Coach Ben Johnson Buyout, Contract, Salary & Incentives

Ben Johnson’s tenure as head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball team is under intense scrutiny. The Gophers currently hold a 9-9 overall record and a 1-6 mark in Big Ten play, leading to growing frustration among fans. Despite his deep ties to Minnesota, many are questioning his ability to elevate the program. However, parting ways with Johnson isn’t straightforward, as his contract includes significant financial considerations.

Ben Johnson Salary and Contract Structure

• Annual Salary: Johnson’s base salary is $1.95 million per year, ranking last among Big Ten men’s college basketball head coaches.
• Contract Duration: Initially a five-year agreement through April 30, 2026, Johnson received a one-year extension in 2022, extending his contract through April 30, 2027.

Ben Johnson Buyout Details

If the university decides to terminate Johnson’s contract without cause, the buyout terms are as follows:

• Through April 30, 2023: 100% of the remaining base salary.
• May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024: 75% of the remaining base salary.
• May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025: 50% of the remaining base salary.
• May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026: 25% of the remaining base salary.

Given that it’s now March 2025, if Johnson were to be fired without cause, the university would owe him 50% of his remaining base salary. With two years left on his contract (May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2027), totaling $3.9 million, the buyout would amount to approximately $1.95 million.

Ben Johnson’s Incentives

Johnson’s contract includes several performance-based bonuses:

• Regular-Season Achievements:
  • Winning the Big Ten Regular-Season Championship: $50,000.
  • Achieving a winning record in Big Ten play: $50,000.
• Postseason Performance:
  • NCAA Tournament appearance: $50,000.
  • Advancing to the Sweet Sixteen: $50,000.
  • Advancing to the Final Four: $50,000.
  • Winning the National Championship: $100,000.
• Academic Performance:
  • Team APR (Academic Progress Rate) reaching a set threshold: Up to $75,000.
• Coach of the Year Awards:
  • Big Ten Coach of the Year: $25,000.
  • National Coach of the Year: $50,000.

Why Minnesota Fans Want Ben Johnson Fired

• Big Ten Struggles: The Gophers continue to struggle in conference play, and patience is wearing thin. Johnson’s teams haven’t shown enough improvement in a competitive league.
• Recruiting and NIL Issues: Johnson has spoken about NIL challenges, but the Gophers’ inability to land top-tier recruits or retain talent is a growing concern.
• Offensive Stagnation: The Gophers’ offense has been inconsistent, lacking a clear identity. They’ve struggled in late-game situations, costing them winnable games.
• Fan Apathy: Attendance at Williams Arena has dipped, with many fans feeling disconnected from the program’s direction.
• No Clear Path Forward: In his fourth season, Johnson has yet to deliver tangible progress. At some point, the administration has to decide whether sticking with him is worth the risk.

What’s Next?

With a $1.95 million buyout, firing Johnson isn’t as costly as some other coaching changes, but it’s still a financial hit. As the Gophers finish the season near the bottom of the Big Ten again, pressure is mounting on the administration to make a move. Whether they do it now or give him one more season could come down to just how badly things unravel down the stretch.