The Creighton Bluejays have long been NCAA contenders, but under Head Coach Greg McDermott, they soared to their first Elite Eight since 1941. With standout wins over top teams like UConn and Kansas in the 2024 season, the Bluejays are primed to shock the basketball world again. But with March Madness on the Horizon, one can’t help but wonder: How much is Creighton investing in the architect of their success?

The NCAA landscape is known for its hefty coaching salaries, especially among top-tier programs. For instance, Bill Self, head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, earns a staggering $9.6 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball. While Creighton doesn’t boast the financial clout of Kansas or Duke, they have made a significant commitment to McDermott, recognizing his value to the program.

Greg McDermott’s current contract

Since taking over in 2010, McDermott has led the Bluejays to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, with a career record of 331–164 (.670) at Creighton. The 2022–2023 season especially was a historic milestone, as McDermott guided the team to the Elite Eight for the first time in over 80 years since 1941.

Following this, the HC received a contract extension in March this year, considering it was set to expire after 2025-26.

“There is no place I would rather be for the rest of my career than Creighton,” McDermott said upon signing his latest extension. “I am grateful to Father [Daniel] Hendrickson and Marcus Blossom for their ongoing confidence. My staff and I are fortunate to work with outstanding student-athletes, and we will continue to create an environment that allows them to excel both on the court and in the classroom.”

Athletic Director Marcus Blossom echoed this sentiment and stated. “This long-term contract extension will ensure Greg McDermott is the head coach of Creighton men’s basketball for the foreseeable future,” while noting that specific financial details would remain undisclosed.

However, according to the 2023 form 990 filed by Creighton University, McDermott’s total compensation was $2,939,776. This figure includes a base salary of $2,899,199 and additional benefits totaling $40,577. It marks a steady increase from the $2.4 million he earned in 2022, reflecting Creighton’s willingness to do their best to retain their star coach.

Although McDermott’s salary pales in comparison to Self’s, it positions him as one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big East Conference. His latest contract extension, which runs through the 2027–2028 season, might even put him in the Top 50 highest-paid coaches in Men’s College Basketball.

Estimating the HC’s Net Worth

McDermott who is an inductee into the multiple Hall of Fames, has had a career defined by adaptability at Creighton. After previously serving as the Head Coach at Iowa State and Northern Iowa, the 60-year-old has transformed the Bluejays into a consistent contender throughout his near-15-year run with the program.

Keeping the above facts into consideration, alongside his long tenure as a coach, McDermott’s net worth is estimated to be around $9–12 million.

As a private university, Creighton does not disclose the specific terms of McDermott’s contract extensions. However, the significant investment in his salary, coupled with Creighton’s rise to national prominence under his leadership, hints at a mutually beneficial partnership.

Some notable highlights from his career include the 2013 season when Creighton, led by McDermott’s son Doug, secured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and Doug’s eventual rise as the consensus national player of the year. More recently, the team’s dominance in the Big East and their thrilling Elite Eight run in 2023 have solidified McDermott’s legacy.

He has also proven himself, boasting the second-highest win percentage in Creighton history — 0.67, just behind Arthur A. Schabinger’s .714. Off the court, McDermott has consistently dedicated himself to helping his students attain both athletic and academic excellence. With a career win-loss record of 605–355 and no signs of slowing down, McDermott’s future at Creighton looks brighter than ever.

As McDermott himself puts it, “I am excited to build upon the positive trajectory of our program.”