Lamont Paris buyout, contract details as South Carolina Gamecocks coach originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Lamont Paris’ future at South Carolina is tied to a contract that makes a coaching change financially complicated for the university.
Paris is under contract with the Gamecocks through the 2029-30 season after signing a six-year, $26 million extension a year ago. The new deal came shortly after Paris was named SEC Coach of the Year and guided South Carolina to one of the best seasons in program history. However, since then hasn’t brought on easy time in Columbia.
Under the terms of the agreement, Paris earned $4 million during the 2025-26 season, with annual raises of $250,000 built into the contract. The deal also includes a significant buyout clause that’s in the top 20 for college basketball coaches.
Lamont Paris’ buyout terms
If South Carolina were to fire Paris without cause, the school would owe him roughly 65% of the remaining value of the contract. As of early 2026, the estimated buyout sits around $11 million depending on the timing of a decision, according to a report from the Greenville News.
Paris’ contract also contains a separate buyout structure if he leaves the program for another job. The buyout dropped to $10 million before this month and will fall to $7.5 million from April 2026 through March 2027. So any program looking to snag Paris would most certainly wait to save money.
Lamont Paris’ projected future
Because of the high cost associated with the contract, Paris is widely expected to remain at South Carolina despite a disappointing 2025-26 season. The Gamecocks have struggled in SEC play, sitting at 13-18 overall and 4-14 in the conference.
Paris previously delivered a breakthrough campaign for the program. His 26-win season two years ago tied a school record and marked South Carolina’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since its 2017 Final Four run under Frank Martin. But now there are a lot of questions that need to be answered.
South Carolina athletic director Jeremiah Donati now faces a difficult decision going forward. Either absorb a massive buyout or allow Paris more time to rebuild the program after last year’s historic success. Unfortunately, the current NIL era doesn’t allow for a “wait and see” process.
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