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.”
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 terms
Three 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 — $2,700,000
UCF basketball coach Johnny Dawkins performance bonuses
Team 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 — $75,000
NCAA 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 — $250,000
Coaching awards
- Big 12 Coach of the Year — $50,000
- National Coach of the Year — $50,000
- Naismith College Coach of the Year — $150,000
Academic 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 — $10,000
Conduct 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 violations
Total bonus compensation caps
- 2026-27 season — $1,250,000
- 2027-28 season — $1,350,000
- 2028-29 season — $1,450,000
UCF basketball coach Johnny Dawkins buyout
By 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, 2029
By 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 agreement
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF basketball: Salary, buyout for Johnny Dawkins contract extension