Just one month ago, the status of NC State’s head coach, Kevin Keatts, was uncertain as the Wolfpack faced a tumultuous end to the regular season, dropping their final four games. Keatts, in his seventh season at the helm, had faced scrutiny despite leading the team to March Madness only twice previously, with no advancement beyond the first round. Despite several seasons with winning records, NC State had failed to make significant waves in either the ACC or NCAA Tournament under Keatts’ tenure.
The Wolfpack’s season took a dramatic turn as they entered the ACC Tournament with a record of 17-14 overall and 9-11 in ACC play, needing nothing short of a conference tournament championship and perhaps a stroke of luck to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. However, what followed was an unexpected and remarkable resurgence.
NC State embarked on an improbable journey, clinching five consecutive victories to capture the ACC Tournament crown. Along the way, they defeated formidable opponents such as Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina. Buoyed by this momentum, the Wolfpack carried their winning streak into March Madness, toppling higher-seeded Texas Tech and the Cinderella story of Oakland to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015.
This remarkable turnaround not only secured Coach Keatts’ position but also led to significant contractual rewards. The ACC Tournament victory triggered a two-year extension to Keatts’ contract, extending his tenure in Raleigh through 2030. Additionally, he earned a $100,000 bonus and a $400,000 raise effective from the next season, boosting his annual salary to $3.1 million.
The Sweet 16 run further enhanced Keatts’ earnings, adding another $100,000 bonus to his postseason rewards. While the opportunity to extend his contract further was limited due to contractual constraints, Keatts has nonetheless enjoyed substantial financial gains from his team’s success.
With these new incentives activated, Keatts now boasts a contract with six years remaining, totaling $17.6 million. Indeed, March has proven to be a highly lucrative month for Coach Keatts, highlighting the rewarding nature of success in college basketball coaching.