NC State win unlocks raise, extension for coach Kevin Keatts

Field Level Media|published: Sun 17th March, 11:38 2024

Mar 16, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts reacts by cutting the net from the basketball rim after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels at Capital One Arena. credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina State's improbable Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball tournament title triggered a contract extension and big raise for head coach Kevin Keatts.

Under the terms of his contract, Keatts will receive a two-year contract extension that runs through April 2030. In addition, he has earned a $400,000 raise, effective with the 2024-25 season, as well as a $100,000 bonus for winning the tournament.

He also will be paid a bonus of at least $10,000 for qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, with the Wolfpack's seeding determining the actual amount. The contract also includes bonuses for wins in the tournament.

NC State won five games in five nights in Washington, D.C., as the 10th seed in the ACC tournament. The Wolfpack beat second-seeded Duke 74-69 in their third tourney game and toppled top seed North Carolina 84-76 on Saturday in the conference final.

Both the Blue Devils (No. 11) and the Tar Heels (No. 4) were nationally ranked heading into the tournament.

Keatts, 51, has coached at North Carolina State since 2017 and has a 135-93 record, including 22-14 this season. The Wolfpack will be making their third NCAA Tournament appearance — and looking for the first win — under Keatts.

—Field Level Media