Houston Extends Coach Sampson After NCAA Runner-Up Finish

Kelvin Sampson has signed a four-year contract extension with the University of Houston, keeping him as head coach through the 2028-29 season after the team's runner-up finish to Florida in the NCAA championship game. The deal, which adds two years to his previous contract, is the richest coaching contract in school history and will make Sampson one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball. Sampson, at Houston since 2014, has led the team to a 299-84 record, seven straight NCAA Tournament berths, multiple Final Fours, three consecutive No. 1 seeds, and five consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. The Cougars have also won back-to-back Big 12 regular season titles and a Big 12 tournament title under his leadership. The extension coincides with staff changes, as Sampson hired Mike Ekanem to replace outgoing assistant coach Quannas White. University officials praised Sampson's leadership and lasting impact on the program and community.