
via Imago
Credit: Imago

via Imago
Credit: Imago
When Grant McCasland arrived in Lubbock in 2023, he inherited a basketball program that had fallen short of competing in the punishing Big 12 Conference. In two short seasons, he has revived the fortunes of the Red Raiders, making them solid contenders with back-to-back 20-win seasons as well as a Sweet 16 run a year ago. Those dramatic developments have been accompanied by equally significant developments in McCasland’s contractual relationship with the university.
“What impressed me most about Coach McCasland is his vision and expectations,” said former Texas Tech player Norense Odiase, who served on the hiring committee. “He talked about winning championships. That was important for me to hear because we have a standard of excellence at Tech that will not be lowered.”
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What is Grant McCasland’s contract with Texas Tech? How long is the deal?
Texas Tech’s investment in Grant McCasland is among the most aggressive of any first-year Power Five coach in recent memory. When he was hired in April 2023, he signed a six-year, $18.15 million deal that ranked him among the 50 highest-paid coaches in college basketball nationally. Part of the framework of his deal included annual increases in salary, beginning at $2.9 million in Year 1 and reaching $3.4 million in the final season. It also included performance-based bonuses for making the NCAA Tournament and academic excellence.
The university’s confidence proved warranted as McCasland guided Texas Tech to a 25-win season and a Sweet 16 berth in his first season. Due to this immediate success, the contract has been extended (in May 2024) for one additional year, adding another year to his deal through 2030.

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Credit: Imago
That adjustment was a $6.75 million increase, bringing his annual salary to an average of $4.15 million. It also included tougher financial protections under the new terms, including a buyout clause that is currently set at 40% of $8.4 million. Those provisions show Texas Tech’s desire to ensure long-term security under McCasland’s direction while also ushering in protections for the program’s future.
How much will Grant McCasland earn in the 2024-25 NCAA season?
This compensation for the 2024-25 season marks McCasland’s rapid rise from a promising hire to a respected figure in the Big 12. His base salary of $3.9 million represents a 29 percent jump from the original contract, making him one of the higher-paid coaches in the conference. And while he is behind legendary figures like Bill Self and Scott Drew, he leapt to being one of the most financially valued coaches in college basketball.
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In addition to his base salary, McCasland’s contract has performance incentives that could add more than half a million dollars to his take if he has a successful season. These bonuses are designed to reward performance in both sport and the classroom. Milestones: $25,000 = NCAA Tournament bid; $50,000 = Sweet 16 appearance; $100,000 = Final Four appearance.
They are also incentivized for academic success, with a $50,000 payout for reaching team APR goals. This structure incorporates competitive structure and player development priorities from the top down, helping ensure his compensation reflects the club’s commitment to both.
What was Grant McCasland’s previous contract with Texas Tech?
The timeline of the initial agreement signed in 2023 already pointed to Texas Tech’s clearly defined broad vision for the future of the program under the leadership of McCasland. The million-dollar, six-year deal featured an initial $1.002 million payment to pay off his North Texas buyout and related taxes, a rare financial commitment given to a coach in his initial step into a Power Five job.
His initial annual base salary of $3.025 million nearly tripled North Texas’ outlay for him, a sign of the university’s lofty expectations. But his meteoric success made the original terms obsolete in record time. In the span of 14 months, McCasland had led the Red Raiders to their first Sweet 16 since 2018 and posted a school-record 15 wins in Big 12 play.
In response to these achievements, an immediate re-negotiation ensued, yielding a substantially more favorable contract that was deemed appropriate with respect to his contributions. It’s remarkable how quickly this revision was needed, and how far ahead McCasland got of projections — he emerged as the architect of Texas Tech’s basketball renaissance.
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What is Grant McCasland’s net worth in 2025?
Financial analysts calculate McCasland’s net worth to range between $5-7 million, up high from his North Texas days. The majority of this figure comes from his massive $24.9 million contract, about $6.5 million of which has been earned through 2025, netting out taxes and other living expenses. Last but not least, his buyout terms offer a financial backstop that further increases his overall value and making him one of the most financially secure young coaches in the game.
Going forward, McCasland’s earnings seem to be on a tear. So, given the $18.4 million left on his deal through 2030, and performance-based bonuses, his net worth after this deal could be north of $12 million. You’re also factoring in a large increase in investment growth, possible endorsement contracts and a growing market for elite college coaches. With McCasland’s rapid ascent, his financial profile at Texas Tech also figures to rise as the school’s own prominence on the national stage does.
The evolution in McCasland’s contract reflects the transformation he’s brought to Texas Tech basketball — they both have come to symbolize a program that is quickly becoming a national player. What was once seen as a calculated risk in 2023 has turned into a cornerstone investment by 2025, a testament to a school that is hell-bent on remaining a national powerhouse in the Big 12.
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To Red Raider fans, the dollar figures on McCasland’s deal are more than financial numbers; they are a commitment to sustained, long-term success. Now with a firm foundation and increasing momentum each year, Texas Tech is setting itself up for an era of sustained excellence. The fact that McCasland and his team are now making another push deep into the postseason shows that this is simply the start of what could be a defining chapter in the history of the program.
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Is Grant McCasland the best thing to happen to Texas Tech basketball in recent years?