Sampson agrees to extension with Cougars through 2021

Sampson's compensation to rise to $1.4 million annually

HOUSTON

After leading the University of Houston Men’s Basketball program to 22 wins and a berth in the postseason NIT for the first time in a decade, Head Coach Kelvin Sampson and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Hunter Yurachek recently agreed on a contract agreement that will keep Sampson with the Cougars through the 2020-21 season.

The agreement calls for a $300,000 increase to $1.4 million annual total compensation with increased bonuses for the Cougars being selected for and advancing in the NCAA Tournament.

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The University of Houston Board of Regents approved the contract agreement on May 19.

“My family and I are grateful for the University of Houston’s commitment to our Men’s Basketball program,” Sampson said. “When you look at the recent capital improvements around our Athletics Department and combine that with one of the world’s great cities, it’s easy to see how exciting it is to be a part of the University of Houston right now.”

“We are building a great basketball program under Kelvin Sampson’s leadership,” Yurachek said. “With the opening of our $25 million Guy V. Lewis Development facility and the upcoming $60 million renovation of our basketball arena, amending Coach Sampson’s contract was important as we prepare for tremendous success in the years to come.”

Sampson compiled a 13-19 record during his first season in 2014-15.

In 2015-16, Sampson led the Cougars to a 22-10 overall record and the program’s first berth in the postseason NIT since 2006. 

Under Sampson’s leadership, the Cougars posted a nine-game improvement from the 2014-15 season, tying for 13th best nationally, and competed as the No. 2 seed at the American Championships in Orlando in March.