Michigan Hockey Coach Scores Lucrative Contract Extension

Brandon Naurato's new 5-year deal worth $3.8 million reflects his success leading the Wolverines program.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan head hockey coach Brandon Naurato, 40, has signed a 5-year contract extension worth $3.8 million, a significant pay raise that reflects his success leading the Wolverines program. The new deal was announced on January 9th, according to a memorandum of understanding obtained by MLive through a public records request.

Why it matters

Naurato's extension is a testament to the strength of the Michigan hockey program, which has become a perennial powerhouse under his leadership. The sizable pay increase signals the university's commitment to retaining top coaching talent and maintaining the team's competitiveness at the highest levels of college hockey.

The details

Naurato's new 5-year contract, which runs through the 2030-31 season, will pay him an average annual salary of $760,000. This represents a significant raise from his previous deal, which was worth around $500,000 per year. The extension reflects Naurato's success in guiding the Wolverines to the Frozen Four in 2024 and 2025, as well as the team's consistent top-10 national rankings in recent seasons.

  • Naurato signed the 5-year contract extension on January 9, 2026.
  • The new deal runs through the 2030-31 season.

The players

Brandon Naurato

The 40-year-old is the head coach of the Michigan hockey team, leading the Wolverines to the Frozen Four in 2024 and 2025.

Michigan

The university that employs Naurato as the head coach of its highly successful hockey program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just feel like I have the dream job, but I don't take it for granted,”

— Brandon Naurato, Head Coach (MLive)

What’s next

Naurato and the Wolverines will look to build on their recent success and compete for a national championship in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Naurato's contract extension demonstrates Michigan's commitment to maintaining its hockey program as an elite national power. The sizable pay raise reflects the value the university places on retaining top coaching talent and continuing the team's recent run of success.