Johnny Dawkins contract extension: What is UCF basketball coach's new salary?

Johnny Dawkins' three-year contract extension, announced May 28, includes a $300,000 raise for the upcoming 2026-27 season and higher potential earnings for performance bonuses, according to an executive summary provided to The News-Journal by UCF Athletics.

>Dawkins, 62, will earn $2.5 million next year, up from a non-guaranteed $2.2 million figure on the final year of his previous deal. According to USA TODAY's database of men's college basketball coaching salaries, Dawkins is still the lowest-paid head coach among Big 12 Conference programs, though BYU did not report Kevin Young's annual salary.

>Dawkins' new contract runs through the 2028-29 season. He will make $2.6 million and $2.7 million in the final two seasons, bringing the total value of the extension to $7.8 million.

>"Johnny has led our men's basketball program with outstanding poise and class," UCF director of athletics Terry Mohajir said in a statement. "The stability and continuity he has provided have been, in my opinion, a major reason for the program's growth. As a result, we're excited to extend his contract. He is a strong leader and an outstanding role model for our young men."

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>In addition, Dawkins could earn twice as much money for leading the Knights into the NCAA Tournament going forward as an at-large. This past season, he pocketed an extra $50,000 as UCF earned a No. 10 seed in the East Region.

>That's a significant development, considering the tournament field is set to expand to 76 teams beginning next year.

>Here is a full breakdown of the contract, including bonuses Dawkins can accrue and terms regarding a future buyout:

UCF basketball coach Johnny Dawkins contract termsThree years, $7.8 millionin guaranteed compensation (beginning with 2026-27 season)

2026-27 salary — $2,500,000 • >2027-28 salary — $2,600,000 • >2028-29 salary — $2,700,000UCF basketball coach Johnny Dawkins performance bonusesTeam performance bonuses

Big 12 regular season championship — $100,000 • >Big 12 tournament championship (automatic NCAA Tournament berth) — $100,000 • >22+ overall wins or 11+ Big 12 wins plus NCAA Tournament berth — $50,000 • >Final AP Top 10 ranking — $75,000NCAA Tournament bonuses (cumulative)

NCAA Tournament at-large bid — $100,000 • >NCAA Tournament automatic qualifier — $50,000 • >Advance to Round of 32 — $100,000 • >Advance to Sweet 16 — $100,000 • >Advance to Elite Eight — $100,000 • >Advance to Final Four — $250,000 • >Win national championship — $250,000Coaching awards

Big 12 Coach of the Year — $50,000 • >National Coach of the Year — $50,000 • >Naismith College Coach of the Year — $150,000Academic performance bonuses

APR of 960 or higher — $10,000 • >APR of 1000 or higher — $10,000 • >Team GPA of 2.7 or higher — $10,000 • >Team GPA of 3.0 or higher — $10,000Conduct bonuses

$10,000 if there are no student-athlete academic or conduct violations, no arrests or convictions for players or staff, and no NCAA ethical conduct violationsTotal bonus compensation caps

2026-27 season — $1,250,000 • >2027-28 season — $1,350,000 • >2028-29 season — $1,450,000UCF basketball coach Johnny Dawkins buyoutBy UCF (termination without cause):

Dawkins would receive 75% of the remaining guaranteed compensation under the contract, prorated as necessary, and paid on the same schedule as regular compensation through April 15, 2029By Johnny Dawkins:

If Dawkins terminates the deal, he would be liable for 75% of the total guaranteed compensation payable for the remaining term of the agreementThis article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF basketball: Salary, buyout for Johnny Dawkins contract extension