Just look at Bruce and Steven Pearl. Together, they’ve completely transformed the Auburn program. A similar story is unfolding in Houston. When Kelvin Sampson took over in 2014, he had just one condition–his son Kellen had to be on staff. Fast forward to 2025– 6 Sweet 16s, 3 Elite 8s, and 2 Final Four appearances later, it’s clear he made the right call.“This is the best job I’ve ever had because I’ve watched my family grow,” said the soon to be 70-year-old coach, beaming with pride.

The Cougars are now just one win away from possibly securing their first-ever national championship. But as the hype builds, so does the speculation. Many believe this could be Kelvin Sampson’s final dance. So, who takes over if he calls it quits? Will it be his son Kellen? Or will Houston look elsewhere? Well, turns out the Cougars may already have a plan in place. A contingency is ready. Just in case the legend decides to call it a career.

What is Kellen Samspon’s contract with the Houston Cougars?

Back in June 2023, Houston locked in Kelvin Sampson with a new contract through the 2026-27 season. But here’s where it gets interesting. According to Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports, the deal had a little twist–something about his son, Kellen Sampson, who currently serves as an assistant coach. In Kellen’s contract, a fresh new section appeared, “Future Employment of Coach.”

Houston already have their successor ready should Kelvin decide to retire. “I don’t take resumes and I don’t take phone calls. I hire everyone from within. We develop our coaching staff the same way we develop our players,” Sampson told the media. And that is exactly what the Cougars will be doing. So what does Kellen’s contract look like?

“As long as [Kellen] is employed as a coach for the team, UH acknowledges and agrees that Kellen Sampson shall have and maintain the functional title of ‘head coach in waiting’ for the team,” his contract read.

Kellen Sampson’s future at Houston seems all but set. The terms are already in place. Kellen will receive a four-year deal. For the first three years, he’ll earn $2 million annually. “If after June 1, 2025, Coach [Kellen] has not left the employment of the university for reasons within Coach’s control, and for any reason is not the head coach of the team within 14 calendar days after Kelvin Sampson ceases to be head coach of the team, then the University shall pay Coach two million dollars,” his contract reads.

Is Kelvin Sampson retiring after the NCAA Championship game?

While the retirement rumors continue to swirl, there’s no real sign that Kelvin Sampson is ready to call it quits just yet. The 69-year-old, who’s been coaching since 1979, isn’t rushing into any decisions.

“I’ve had a lifetime contract here for a long time,” Sampson told reporters on April 1. “I’ll decide when it’s time to go. I’ll make that decision independent of anybody but my wife.”Additionally, as mentioned earlier, Sampson’s current contract runs through the 2026-27 season. In another interview, the veteran coach made it clear that he still has the energy and passion to keep going. “​I still got a fire in my belly,” he said.  All signs point to one thing–Kelvin Sampson isn’t stepping away anytime soon.

What is Kelvin Sampson’s contract?

The extension Kelvin Sampson signed in 2023 reportedly placed him among the highest-paid college basketball coaches in the country.His new deal sees him earn between $4.5 million and $5 million annually–up from the $3.4 million he was making under his previous contract.

“I am excited to be at the University of Houston. We built this program to a point where we can compete for championships now, and I am glad our administration is on board,” Sampson said after signing the deal.The contract also includes incentives, like a $100,000 increase each time Houston qualifies for the NCAA Tournament through the 2026-27 season.

It remains to be seen whether Kelvin Sampson will call it a career after the 2025 Big Dance. But one thing’s for sure–the Sampson family affair at Houston will continue. His daughter currently serves as the Cougars’ director of operations, and if Kelvin does decide to step down, his son will be leading the Cougars.