Baylor's Scott Drew Reportedly Has $4.5M Buyout Amid Coaching Rumors

The Big 12 champion coach could be a target for other major programs.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:36pm

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Baylor men's basketball coach Scott Drew has found tremendous success over the past 23 years, leading the Bears to a national championship in 2021. Drew reportedly signed a 10-year contract extension after the title win and is currently the eighth-highest paid coach in college basketball, making $5.4 million per year. However, his $4.5 million buyout could make him an attractive target for other major programs looking to poach the veteran coach.

Why it matters

Drew's success at Baylor has made him a hot commodity in the coaching carousel, with his name linked to openings at Kentucky, Louisville, and now North Carolina. His relatively affordable buyout compared to other top coaches could allow a traditional powerhouse to lure him away from Waco, where he has built the Bears into a Big 12 powerhouse.

The details

According to reports, Drew's 10-year contract extension after the 2021 national title puts his annual salary at $5.4 million, making him the eighth-highest paid coach in college basketball. His buyout figure during the 2024 coaching cycle is reportedly set at $4.5 million, which is considered middle-of-the-pack among all college coaches. This affordable buyout could be an enticing factor for schools looking to poach Drew from Baylor, where he has amassed nearly 500 wins over his 23-year tenure.

  • Drew signed a 10-year contract extension after winning the 2021 national championship.
  • Drew's $4.5 million buyout figure will be in effect during the 2024 coaching cycle.

The players

Scott Drew

The head coach of the Baylor Bears men's basketball team, who has led the program to tremendous success over the past 23 years, including a national championship in 2021.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team, who is currently the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 at $8.8 million per year.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, who recently signed a contract extension that puts his salary at $5.2 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.

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What’s next

If a major program like Kentucky, Louisville, or North Carolina were to pursue Drew, they would need to pay his $4.5 million buyout to pry him away from Baylor.

The takeaway

Scott Drew's success at Baylor has made him a hot commodity in the coaching carousel, and his relatively affordable $4.5 million buyout could allow a traditional powerhouse to lure him away from the Bears. This highlights the value of top coaches in the current college basketball landscape and the willingness of elite programs to pay hefty buyouts to land proven winners.