With 831 wins and 257 losses, Wes Moore stands head and shoulders above most coaches in the NCAA. In fact, only 4 head coaches in the NCAA have a better win-loss record than him. And this has been reflected in the NC State Wolfpack’s constant string of victories ever since his joining.

His 3 consecutive ACC tournaments and a Final Four appearance in 2024 and more are all testaments of his work in North Carolina’s program. Certainly, these wins are also converted into monetary value. But how much is the wolfpack paying him for his accomplishments?

Moore’s treasure chest

While his net worth is not known, the NC State head coach earns a decent penny with the university. As per Front Office Sports, Wes Moore is currently earning $1.03 million as a coach at the North Carolina State University. This makes him the 17th highest-paid coach in the NCAA circuit. Although not paid as well as his contemporaries in Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley. Moore’s presence has surely helped the Wolfpack restore itself back to its former glory.

Since Moore joined NC State in 2013, he turned the program around to a truly remarkable record of 273-88 while taking Wolfpack into several NCAA tournaments. This included the program’s first NCAA Tournament Final Four since 1998 earlier this year where the eventual National champions South Carolina defeated them. The previous time was during the mythical Kay Yow’s reign, almost three decades ago. 

According to USA Today, Moore now makes $1,026,324 a year and is eligible for as much as $555,000 in bonus. These revenues come with the success on the court and a part in bringing the Wolfpack back to national prominence, including a buyout clause in the contract of $1.8 million as of April 2024.

Athletics Director Boo Corrigan recently justified this new contract of Wes Moore, by stating, “Wes continues to elevate our women’s basketball program, and this new contract reflects our commitment to what he is building.” The job for Moore goes beyond payoffs, though. “I’m thankful to NC State for this commitment and belief in what we’re building,” Moore said. And what the head coach is building is a comfortable place for his players.

Wes Moore and his Wolves

In fact, according to a few interviews conducted by the News and Observer with the players at the Wolfpack showcase, at the heart of Moore’s success is the personal connection he has built with his players.

And this is reflected in his intensity that rivals his commitment to adapting to his players’ needs. Junior guard Aziaha James summarized Moore’s impact on his players in the interview by stating, “He wants to win all the time, and I love his passion. He wants us up there, no matter what people say. Just love that he has for us; he treats us as his own children.”

It’s a bonding thing that now has become the defining style of Moore as a coach in showing that he has managed to uphold a standard with his team without letting it slip through their support.

A familiar figure at Reynolds Coliseum, Moore’s legacy is indeed intertwined with the late Kay Yow, the iconic former Wolfpack coach. Known as a nice yet ruthless coach, Yow provided a precedent that Moore has not only built upon but has further heightened. The constant view of Yow’s name in the Coliseum is a reminder of the bar set for NC State’s women’s basketball, which Moore has met with considerable success. 

In fact, last season was the best demonstration of Wes Moore’s coaching prowess as he helped North Carolina to record 31 wins and 7 losses and helped them reach the Final Four.

As NC State continues to remain stable in the rankings season after season, Moore does what it takes to vary his strategy for each member of his team and also specifically craft new ways to help develop his players. This is specifically attested by North Carolina’s center River Baldwin, who remarked. “He’s not going to coach us how he coached last year’s team.” And Moore has some good tactics down his sleeve.

Moore’s mastery: Driving NC State’s championship quest

Although intense, Moore has shown flexibility in forging relationships with players too who differ in reacting to criticism. Junior guard Saniya Rivers said, “He really takes the time to just step back and say, ‘You know, Niya.'” while emphasizing Moore’s ability to dial it back which allows for an atmosphere where everyone feels heard.

In 2022 and 2024, Wes Moore’s salary climbed past $1 million, up from his initial $895,000. This reflects that since signing his first contract with NC State, his pay has risen alongside the program’s growing success under his leadership.

As Wes Moore eyes the NCAA championship to establish a legacy for himself in North Carolina and perhaps even surpass Kay Yow, it becomes apparent that he will throw whatever he can at his opponents to win this season, so will his contemporaries be ready for his schemes? Or will Moore’s Wolfpack triumph over all? Only time will tell.