Kevin Young Signs $30 Million Contract to Become BYU’s Head Coach
The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars have made a monumental investment in their basketball program, reportedly signing Suns lead assistant coach Kevin Young to a seven-year, $30 million contract to become the team’s next head coach. This blockbuster deal represents a significant shift in BYU’s approach to building its basketball program, signaling a commitment to elevating the Cougars into a national contender.
The move to bring Young aboard comes as BYU seeks to make waves in its first year as a member of the Big 12 Conference, one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the country. With his NBA experience and reputation as a sharp basketball mind, Young’s hiring is a bold step toward establishing BYU as a force in college basketball.
Kevin Young has been on a rapid ascent in the coaching world, earning respect for his innovative offensive strategies and player development skills. Serving as the lead assistant for the Phoenix Suns, Young played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the 2021 NBA Finals and consistently compete at a high level in the Western Conference. Known for his ability to connect with players and implement modern basketball philosophies, Young has become one of the most sought-after coaching talents in both the professional and collegiate ranks.
Before his time with the Suns, Young built his coaching resume through various stops, including as a head coach in the NBA G League, where he developed a reputation for his ability to adapt and succeed with limited resources. His ability to maximize talent and build winning cultures made him an attractive candidate for BYU, which aims to build on its basketball tradition and compete with the heavyweights of the Big 12.
The reported $30 million, seven-year contract is groundbreaking for BYU basketball. Traditionally, the university has not been known for offering massive contracts to its coaches. However, the shift to the Big 12 has brought increased revenue and expectations, prompting the program to make a bold financial commitment to secure a coach of Young’s caliber.
This contract not only places Young among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball but also reflects the increasing pressure on BYU to compete at the highest level. With powerhouse programs like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas as conference rivals, the Cougars need a coach who can recruit elite talent, develop players, and implement a winning system. BYU’s willingness to invest heavily in Young underscores its determination to succeed in its new conference environment.
While the financial commitment demonstrates BYU’s confidence in Young, the challenges he faces are substantial. The Big 12 is arguably the toughest basketball conference in the nation, featuring perennial national title contenders and a deep pool of talented teams. For BYU, which has historically been a strong program in the West Coast Conference, the transition to the Big 12 presents a steep learning curve.
Young will be tasked with assembling a competitive roster capable of holding its own against some of the nation’s best teams. Recruiting will be a major focus, as BYU looks to attract high-level talent to Provo. Young’s NBA background and reputation for player development could be key assets in appealing to recruits who aspire to reach the professional level.
In addition to recruiting, Young will need to quickly establish his system and culture within the program. His experience with the Suns and in the G League should help him navigate these challenges, but the pressure to deliver results will be immediate as BYU enters its first season in the Big 12.
The hiring of Kevin Young marks a new era for BYU basketball. For decades, the Cougars have been a respected program with a passionate fan base, but the move to the Big 12 and the hiring of Young signal a desire to reach new heights. BYU’s willingness to invest in a high-profile coach with NBA experience reflects the program’s ambition to compete on a national level.
Young’s hiring also highlights the increasing importance of coaching in modern college basketball. With NIL (name, image, and likeness) opportunities reshaping the recruiting landscape and conferences becoming more competitive, having a coach who can navigate these dynamics is critical. Young’s ability to connect with players and implement a modern, high-octane style of basketball could be the key to BYU’s success in this new era.
As Kevin Young takes the reins at BYU, expectations will be sky-high. The combination of his NBA pedigree, the significant financial investment in his contract, and the challenges of competing in the Big 12 create a unique set of circumstances for the program. However, Young’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to handle the pressure and deliver results.
For BYU fans, the excitement surrounding Young’s hiring is palpable. The program’s entry into the Big 12, combined with the hiring of a coach of Young’s caliber, represents a turning point for BYU basketball. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the Cougars have made it clear they are committed to building a program that can compete with the best in the nation.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kevin Young and the Cougars as they embark on this new journey. With a proven leader at the helm and a renewed sense of purpose, BYU basketball is poised for an exciting future.