Ben McCollum buyout, contract details as Iowa Hawkeyes head coach

Apr 6, 2026 - 10:00

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Ben McCollum buyout, contract details as Iowa Hawkeyes head coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the names to watch will be Ben McCollum. The Iowa Hawkeyes coach signed a six-year, $22.75 million contract in May 2025, which runs through the 2030-31 season. After finding success at Drake, McCollum led Iowa to an Elite Eight run this season. The first time the Hawkeyes went deep into the NCAA Tournament since 1987.

McCollum's deal features significant performance bonuses and a high buyout structure for the length of his coaching career. This is to keep other schools from trying to poach him, especially showing major improvements with the program in his first year.

One of the schools recently linked to McCollum was North Carolina. After firing Hubert Davis, the program needs to take a step in the right direction. One of the major selling points is McCollum's track record at every level thus far.

Ben McCollum buyout terms

McCollum's contract with the University of Iowa includes a $4 million buyout if he leaves before April 1, 2027, which drops by $1 million after that date annually through 2030 and reaches $0 in 2031, according to USA TODAY Sports.

If Iowa fires McCollum without cause, the school would owe him 80 percent of remaining compensation in the first three years, and 60% in the final three years, with offsets for new employment.

Ben McCollum incentives and bonuses

This year was good for McCollum. The Elite Eight run got him an extra $150,000. Here's a look at some of the key bonuses built into his contract, per the Des Moines Register.

Regular season

$75,000 Big Ten regular season champions or co-champions
$50,000 Big Ten Tournament championship win

NCAA Tournament

$50,000 for NCAA Tournament Invitation or First Four Win
$75,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to Round of 32
$100,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to Sweet 16
$150,000 for NCAA Tournament advance to Elite 8
$200,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to Final Four
$300,000 for NCAA Tournament to advance to National Championship
$400,000 for NCAA Tournament Championship win