DePaul Coach Signed Extension with Salary Reduction

Chris Holtmann accepted lower pay in his new contract to bolster NIL resources for the DePaul men's basketball team.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive basketball illustration in blue and white, featuring a single basketball on a hardwood floor, representing the college basketball program's financial adjustments. — DePaul men's basketball coach Chris Holtmann signed a contract extension through 2031, accepting a reduced salary to bolster NIL funding for the program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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DePaul University announced in September 2026 that men's basketball head coach Chris Holtmann signed a contract extension through the 2030-31 season. Holtmann opted to accept a lower salary in the deal to reallocate funds toward NIL initiatives for the roster.

Why it matters

Holtmann initiated the pay reduction to demonstrate his commitment to the program and address the need for increased NIL resources. He aims to ensure the team remains competitive within the Big East conference during the current NIL landscape.

Chris Holtmann holds a 30-36 overall record through two seasons at DePaul. His tenure shows a progression from a 4-16 conference record in the 2024-25 season to an 8-12 conference record during the 2025-26 campaign.

The players

Chris Holtmann

He is the head coach of the DePaul University men's basketball team who has led the program for two seasons.

DeWayne Peevy

He serves as the athletics director at DePaul University who negotiated the contract extension.

Mike Norvell

He is the head coach at Florida State who contributed funds to revenue-sharing in December 2024.

Mike Gundy

He is the head coach at Oklahoma State who accepted a contract pay cut in December 2024.

The details

Holtmann approached athletics director DeWayne Peevy over the summer to propose the move after the previous season concluded. The decision follows a trend of college coaches, such as Mike Norvell and Mike Gundy, adjusting their contracts to support financial stability or revenue-sharing models.

The NIL era in college sports officially began in 2021.
Chris Holtmann was introduced as the head coach of DePaul in March 2024.
Mike Norvell and Mike Gundy restructured their contracts in December 2024.
DePaul finished the 2024-25 season with a 4-16 Big East record.
DePaul announced the extension for Chris Holtmann in September 2026.

Season Trajectory

This contract restructure reflects a broader shift in college sports where head coaches are increasingly absorbing financial responsibilities to secure talent. It signals a move toward prioritizing roster depth over personal compensation to sustain long-term competitive viability.

The salary reduction aims to improve the team's standing in the Big East by increasing available NIL funds for player recruitment. This move specifically targets the competitive gap left by the previous 12-28 conference record over the last two seasons.

The takeaway

Holtmann's decision highlights the evolving economic pressures on college basketball programs in the modern era. Coaches are increasingly betting on their long-term success by sacrificing immediate pay to improve current roster quality.