Rockets Agree Long-Term Extension With Coach Ime Udoka

Ime Udoka has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Houston Rockets, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Since being hired in 2023, Udoka has transformed the Rockets from a struggling franchise into a playoff team, leading them to a 52-30 record in the 2024-25 season and their first playoff appearance since 2019-20. Despite a first-round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets' ownership remains confident in Udoka's leadership and vision for sustainable success. Udoka's tenure has been marked by a strong defensive identity, player development, and a unified team culture emphasizing discipline and accountability. The Rockets have also blocked other teams, including the New York Knicks, from interviewing Udoka for coaching vacancies, signaling their commitment to retaining him and his staff. His coaching has earned him a 93-71 record over two seasons and third place in the Coach of the Year voting for 2024-25.