Vic Schaefer isn’t just another name in NCAA women’s basketball—he’s one of the sport’s most respected figures. As head coach of the Texas Longhorns, Schaefer’s career has been characterized by his relentless discipline and a proven knack for turning teams into serious contenders. But how does his coaching success translate financially?

Last season, Schaefer earned $2.3 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid coach in NCAA women’s basketball. While his salary trails premier coaches like LSU’s Kim Mulkey at $3.26 million and UConn’s Geno Auriemma at $3.1 million, his track record of wins, championships, and Coach of the Year honors is second to none.

Schaefer’s roots in Texas run deep. Born in Austin, his coaching journey has always kept him close to the Lone Star State, beginning in his early years at Sam Houston State and leading up to his transformative role as head coach with the Longhorns. When he first joined the Longhorns in 2020, Schaefer told ESPN, “Texas is where I’m from. I’ll be 65 miles from where I spent weekends at my grandmother’s house, and where my mother and father are buried.” while stressing the fact that the decision to coach in Texas wasn’t just about the job—it was about coming home.

After leaving his coaching position at Mississippi State University, where he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances, Schaefer’s impact on Texas has been instant and substantial. In four seasons, his record of 109 wins to 32 losses and three Big 12 Tournament Championships speaks for itself.

While his substantial salary draws attention, so does Schaefer’s influence on Texas basketball culture. He’s led the team to consecutive Elite Eight appearances and set a record with 33 wins in 2023-24—the most for Texas since he took over as head coach. His philosophy centers on work ethic and accountability, as he often emphasizes his players’ commitment to “going to work” every game, a standard he holds high on and off the court.

Future at the Longhorns for Vic Schaefer

Yet, Schaefer faced a tough test last season. A disappointing second-round tournament loss to Louisville, ending in a 73-51 defeat, led Schaefer to take full responsibility in a press conference. “I need to apologize to the University of Texas for today and how my team played. I’m accountable for that. I’m the head coach. It’s my responsibility to make sure we play a lot better than that. This university deserves better than that.”

The lopsided loss closed out the Longhorns’ season with a 22-point loss that was Texas’ fourth-worst ever in an NCAA Tournament game. Despite Coach Schaefer taking accountability for the loss, countless doubts were raised, and fingers pointed regarding the abysmal performance by the Longhorns.

Although Coach Schaefer will look to recoup these losses in the upcoming championship, his peers, Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley, will also be vying for the championship crown. Ultimately, it may come down to who has prepared enough in the off-season.

In the highly competitive world of NCAA women’s basketball, where top-tier coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma have solidified their own legends, Vic Schaefer’s journey is a testament to what dedication—and a salary to match—can bring to a program. As he continues to climb the ranks among NCAA elite coaches, the Texas Longhorns have placed their bets on a coach who knows what it takes to go all the way, blending Texas grit with national ambitions.