New Maryland men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams is stepping into a significant role, attracting attention not just for his skills on the court but also for his impressive salary package. According to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) uncovered through a public records request, Williams will kick off his six-year contract at Maryland with an annual salary of $4.8 million for the 2025–26 season. That’s a hefty $720,000 more than Kevin Willard, his predecessor, earned in his last year. However, it’s worth noting that this figure is only marginally higher—by $100,000—than the salary Williams would have had if he stayed at Texas A&M.
As part of this lucrative package, Williams’ guaranteed compensation will see annual incremental increases of $100,000, eventually climbing to $5.3 million by the final season of his contract in 2030–31. If Maryland makes it to the NCAA Tournament during his tenure, he’s entitled to a one-year contract extension, plus a substantial retention bonus of $1 million if he remains employed as of April 15, 2031. That’s a comforting safety net for a coach who has ambitious expectations for his team.
However, it’s not just the paycheck that’s raising eyebrows. The MOU includes stringent terms that could make it harder for Williams to bounce from Maryland if he ever decides to leave. Should he choose to terminate the contract before April 2026, he is obligated to pay Maryland a substantial buyout of $10.5 million. This penalty is more than double what Willard faced under a similar contract timeframe. Over the years, that figure will decrease, but the initial amount is quite a hefty barrier to an early exit. For instance, in Year 2, the buyout drops to $8.5 million, then goes down to $3.5 million in Year 3, $2.5 million in Year 4, and finally settles at $1 million in Year 5. Additionally, Williams must inform the university before pursuing other job opportunities, a clause that would hopefully mitigate sudden departures.
On the flip side, if Maryland were to end the contract without cause, they’d be required to pay Williams the rest of his base and supplemental salary. That’s a significant commitment on both sides, indicating a desire for stability in the program.
Williams was officially introduced as head coach on April 1, a move that followed the chaotic and controversial end to Willard’s tenure. During Maryland’s Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament, Willard openly criticized the university’s investment in the basketball program and called out athletic director Damon Evans—all while Evans was in the midst of transitioning to SMU. Just two days after Maryland’s loss to Florida on March 27, Willard accepted a coaching position at Villanova, leaving room for a new chapter in Maryland’s basketball story.
Maryland wasted no time in securing Williams, who, prior to this role, steered Texas A&M since 2019, albeit without advancing beyond the second round of the NCAA Tournament. His non-bonus pay from last year at Texas A&M was reported at $4.6 million. The MOU was finalized by Maryland’s interim athletic director, Colleen Soren.
In addition to the enticing salary and bonuses, Maryland is also covering Williams’ $1 million buyout from Texas A&M—a considerable gesture meant to smooth the transition. On top of that, the school is providing a $75,000 stipend for relocation and temporary housing, a monthly car allowance of $2,400, and a $120 monthly reimbursement for his cell phone. These perks illustrate Maryland’s commitment to investing not just in Williams as a coach, but also in his personal adjustment to the new environment.
Before taking the helm at Texas A&M, Williams carved out successful stints as the head coach at Virginia Tech, Marquette, and New Orleans. His rich coaching history reflects not only his credibility as a leader on the court but also his enduring commitment to establishing a strong basketball presence wherever he goes. As he embarks on this new chapter with Maryland, both fans and players will be keenly watching to see how his leadership unfolds in the coming seasons.
Image Source: Buzz Williams @ Instagram
