Texas Women’s Basketball Coach Vic Schaefer’s Contract, Salary, Incentives, and Buyout

Since taking over at Texas in 2020, Vic Schaefer has elevated the Longhorns into a national powerhouse. With deep tournament runs, consistent top recruiting classes, and a style built on relentless defense, he has positioned Texas among the elite programs in women’s college basketball. His success earned him a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport. Here’s a full breakdown of his salary, incentives, and buyout details.

Vic Schaefer Contract

Schaefer signed a three-year extension in 2025, keeping him under contract through the 2029-30 season. With an annual salary increase and a sizable buyout, Texas has made a strong financial commitment to keeping him in Austin. His deal places him among the top five highest-paid women’s basketball coaches, alongside names like Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey.

The extension signals Texas’ confidence in Schaefer as the right coach to lead the program into the future, especially with the school competing at the highest level in recruiting and tournament performance. The buyout structure also makes it costly for other programs to hire him away, reinforcing Texas’ long-term investment in his leadership.

Vic Schaefer Salary

Schaefer’s salary starts at $2.3 million per year and increases annually by $100,000, solidifying his position among the highest-paid coaches in the sport. His earnings by season:

• 2024-25: $2,300,000
• 2025-26: $2,400,000
• 2026-27: $2,500,000
• 2027-28: $2,600,000
• 2028-29: $2,700,000
• 2029-30: $2,800,000

Vic Schaefer Incentives

His contract includes performance-based bonuses that reward postseason success, coaching accolades, and academic achievements.

• Conference regular-season championship: $50,000
• Conference tournament championship: $50,000
• NCAA Tournament appearance: $50,000
• Sweet 16 appearance: $75,000
• Elite Eight appearance: $100,000
• Final Four appearance: $150,000
• National Championship win: $250,000
• Conference Coach of the Year: $50,000
• National Coach of the Year: $50,000
• Team GPA above 3.0: $25,000
• Graduation rate above 90%: $25,000

Vic Schaefer Buyout

If another school wants to hire Schaefer before his contract expires, they must pay Texas a $4.8 million buyout. This clause makes it more expensive for rival programs to lure him away and serves as a safeguard to keep him in Austin long-term. Given his success, a school with deep pockets might consider paying the buyout, but Texas’ financial investment shows they intend to keep him as the face of the program.

Texas’ Tournament Expectations

According to top sportsbooks, Texas enters the NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites, following a dominant season that saw them near the top of the national rankings. With an elite roster and Schaefer’s postseason experience, expectations are high. Anything less than an Elite Eight appearance would be a disappointment, and a Final Four run or national title push would further cement Texas’ status as a top-tier program under his leadership.

Conclusion

Texas has made a long-term commitment to Schaefer with a top-tier salary, significant performance incentives, and a strong buyout. His extension reflects the school’s belief that he is the coach to deliver championships and keep Texas among the nation’s elite.