“I already make more money than any coach”: When $18 million worth Geno Auriemma admitted “not caring” about winning another National Championship

In 2022, UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma joined Brett Ledbetter for a chat on "Challenges In Modern Athletics." At the time, the Huskies had last won a NCAA championship in 2016 with Breanna Stewart, marking Auriemma's 11th title victory.

When discussing the drive to win more championships, Auriemma, valued at $18 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, shared his thoughts in the interview (Timestamp: 48:12).

"This is how I explain it to my players now so they know I'm not full of s**t and they know that it's not about me anymore. Because if we don't win another National Championship, I could not care less. I already make more money than any coach in the country coaching women's basketball, so what am I going to do, make more money?"

"My life won't change this much if we win another National Championship. It won't even register, it'll be flatlined. But see Paige came to Connecticut to win championships. So the first time she does, if God willing we're fortunate enough to do, then I will be over the top happy for her because I promised her that I would give her an opportunity to do that."

Auriemma also shared that at this stage in his coaching career, it's the process rather than the winning that excites him the most. He added that his current focus is on helping his players achieve their dreams, as he has already accomplished his own.

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Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies off to strong start in title quest

The Huskies began their 2024-25 season with an eight-game winning streak before losing their first to Notre Dame last Thursday. However, UConn has bounced back since, winning two straight games, including a blowout victory over Iowa State on Tuesday.

With this being Paige Bueckers' final season at Storrs, the pressure is on the Huskies to give their star senior a proper send-off. The guard has all the pieces needed for a championship run, but a few injury scares could cost the team.

Azzi Fudd, who returned to playing after a year, is sidelined again with a knee sprain. Players like Caroline Ducharme and Aubrey Griffin are yet to return to playing, and Ayana Patterson could undergo a season-ending surgery soon.

Geno Auriemma and the Huskies have a big game coming up on Saturday when they play against the USC Trojans, their biggest competition for the title. If the team can nail its strategy, UConn could avoid a repeat of the Notre Dame loss.