Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter agreed to a contract extension with Purdue, extending his tenure through the 2030-31 season, the school announced on Tuesday. His previous deal earned him $5.2 million. He reportedly received a raise of $1.8 million, making it $7 million under the new contract.
The deal also reportedly includes a $50,000 yearly raise. Painter is now among the top 10 highest-paid college basketball coaches. He is also the second highest-paid in the Big Ten, only behind Michigan State’s Tom Izzo. His salary comparison with Illinois’ Brad Underwood depends on different bonuses. If Underwood earns those bonuses, he will push himself above Painter through the season.
NCAA insider Pete Thamel revealed the details of Painter’s contract along with a comparison with the salaries of Tom Izzo, who has won one national title and reached eight Final Fours, and Brad Underwood, who has taken Illinois to one Final Four. Fans were divided about Painter’s new contract and the comparison.
“Why and how is Brad Underwood making more than Painter???” one fan wondered.
Thamel mentioned that Painter trailed both Izzo and Underwood. However, according to base earnings for the upcoming season, Painter trumps Underwood.
Painter has taken Purdue to one Final Four while winning five Big Ten regular-season titles and three tournaments.
Tom Izzo and Brad Underwood’s contracts
Izzo stands as the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten. He is set to earn around $7.2 million for the upcoming season after a $1 million raise over his $6.2 million per year salary was approved in December 2025. His deal stands till the 2030-31 season. However, the contract also includes a post-retirement role.
He is on a five-year auto-renewal structure with an option to transition into a special advisory role post-retirement. Other perks include 50 annual flight hours of private jet time and two cars paid for by the university, with the benefit extending up to five years even in retirement.
Brad Underwood signed an extension in May 2026, making his contract valid through the 2031-32 season. His base salary is $4.4 million annually along with a $2.5 million one-time signing bonus. Underwood can potentially earn more than $9 million this season through different bonuses, which would place him as the second highest earner in the Big Ten.
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