UCF Basketball Coach Johnny Dawkins Signs 2-Year Contract Extension
Johnny Dawkins, the head coach of the University of Central Florida (UCF) men’s basketball team, has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the program through the 2026-27 season. This extension marks a significant milestone in Dawkins’ tenure at UCF, which began in 2016.
Dawkins has led the Knights to a 17-16 overall record in their inaugural Big 12 Conference season, which included a postseason berth in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The team earned eight wins against conference opponents, including three ranked teams: No. 3 Kansas, No. 23 Oklahoma, and No. 23 Texas Tech. This achievement is notable, as UCF had only accomplished multiple wins over top-25 foes in the same season once before, which was also under Dawkins’ leadership during the 2018-19 season that ended in an NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance.
Athletic Director Terry Mohajir expressed his excitement about Dawkins continuing to lead the program, stating that the team competed well in their inaugural Big 12 season under Dawkins’ leadership. Mohajir emphasized the importance of continuity and stability in the college landscape, particularly in the competitive Big 12 Conference. He believes that Dawkins’ leadership and the program’s recent progress justify the investment in resources to support the basketball team’s continued growth.
The contract extension includes a base salary of $500,000 with a guaranteed annual compensation of $2 million for the upcoming season. This amount increases to $2.1 million in 2025-26 and $2.2 million in 2026-27. Dawkins is eligible for an annual merit pay increase to be determined by the athletic director and performance bonuses up to $500,000 per year. He is also eligible for academic performance bonuses up to $10,000.
Under Dawkins’ guidance, UCF has made significant progress, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and the NIT in 2017, 2023, and 2024. The team has a 148-103 overall record (59%) since Dawkins’ arrival in 2016. Mohajir believes that the program’s future is bright, citing the team’s competitiveness and potential for continued success.
The Big 12 Conference has added four new schools, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, growing the league from 14 to 16 members. This expansion has increased the competition, making it even more challenging for the Knights. However, Dawkins and his team have shown resilience and adaptability, achieving notable wins against ranked opponents.
Mohajir emphasized the importance of investing in the basketball program to support Dawkins’ continued success. He has already invested $12.5 million in the basketball arena, increased Dawkins’ staff and resources, and boosted the operating budget. Mohajir believes that providing the necessary resources will help the program achieve sustained success in the Big 12 Conference.
Dawkins expressed his gratitude for the confidence shown in him by President Alexander N. Cartwright and Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. He is excited to continue building on the team’s success and is committed to pouring his whole heart into the program. Dawkins has been a beloved figure at UCF, known for his leadership and dedication to the team and the university.
In conclusion, Johnny Dawkins’ two-year contract extension is a testament to his dedication and the program’s progress. With his leadership and the support of the athletic department, UCF basketball is poised for continued success in the competitive Big 12 Conference.