Kelvin Sampson plays key role in son securing $2,000,000 per year deal with Houston Cougars

Modified Apr 08, 2025 18:14 GMT

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Championship-Houston vs Florida - Source: Imagn — NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Championship - Houston vs. Florida - Source: Imagn

It's unclear if Houston Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson wants to retire anytime soon, but he already has plans for when he does. The 69-year-old coach reportedly has a clause in his contract that names his son, Kellen, as "head coach in waiting."

Kellen is currently the associate head coach and would succeed his father on a $2 million per year contract, per a Front Office Sports report published on Monday.

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Kelvin Sampson has led Houston since 2014 and has a coaching career that dates back to 1979. He has led the Cougars to three Elite Eight appearances, two Final Fours and this season's title game. The seasoned coach discussed his plans for the future with reporters on April 1.

“I’ve had a lifetime contract here for a long time,” Sampson said. “I’ll decide when it’s time to go. I’ll make that decision independent of anybody but my wife.”

Houston gave Sampson a new contract in June 2023, increasing his salary from $3.4 million to $4.75 million. The deal, set to expire in 2027, included a section titled "Future Employment of Coach." It was here that Kellen was named the head coach in waiting.

Upon Sampson's retirement, Kellen will reportedly be named head coach in a four-year deal that will apparently pay him $2 million through the first three years.

NCAA Basketball: Texas Christian at Houston - Source: Imagn

Kelvin Sampson on Houston's title game loss

Kelvin Sampson led the Cougars to their first title game appearance in over 40 years, but his squad came up short of securing the first NCAA Tournament championship in program history.

For all but 64 seconds, Houston led in Monday's game against the Florida Gators. The team entered halftime up by three and got hot early in the second half to lead by 12 with 16:00 remaining. But Florida didn't give up that easily, and with 19 seconds left on the clock, Sampson's squad found itself with a two-point deficit.

The Cougars had possession of the ball but were unable to make a shot after being tied up by the Gators' defense. Kelvin Sampson expressed frustration at how the championship contest ended.

"At the end, you've gotta get a shot," Sampson said. "You've gotta do better than that."

Sampson's dreams of bringing a championship trophy home to Houston weren't achieved this year. He may try again next year, but whenever he decides to retire, Kellen will take over to try to continue basketball greatness for the Cougars.

Also Read: Top 5 takeaways from Florida's wild comeback win over Houston in NCAA title game

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by R. Elahi