In a significant move for the University of Texas women’s basketball program, head coach Vic Schaefer has agreed to a three-year contract extension, securing his position in Austin through the 2029-2030 season. This extension, pending approval by the Texas Board of Regents, reflects the university’s confidence in Schaefer’s leadership and the direction in which he is steering the team.
Contract Details
Schaefer’s original contract, initiated in 2020, was a seven-year agreement worth $13.8 million. The new extension not only prolongs his tenure but also includes incremental salary increases. While his current annual salary stands at $2.4 million, it is set to rise to $2.6 million by the final year of the contract. This structured compensation underscores the university’s commitment to rewarding sustained success and excellence within the program.
Impactful Tenure at Texas
Since taking the helm in 2020, Schaefer has revitalized the Longhorns, leading them to a commendable 134-34 record over four-plus seasons. Under his guidance, the team has achieved significant milestones:
- Elite Eight Appearances: In his inaugural season (2020-2021), Schaefer guided Texas to the NCAA Elite Eight, marking the program’s first appearance at that stage since 2016. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the transitional phase of the team.
- Big 12 Championship: The 2021-2022 season saw the Longhorns clinch their first Big 12 Championship title since 2003. Entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, Texas secured victories over formidable opponents, including Kansas State, Iowa State, and top-seeded Baylor. The triumph over Baylor was especially significant, ending a 13-game losing streak against the Lady Bears.
- Consistent National Presence: The team’s success under Schaefer has been reflected in national rankings. The 2021-2022 season concluded with Texas ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press Top-25 poll, their highest finish since the 2003-2004 season. This consistent national presence has reestablished Texas as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.
Player Development and Recognition
Schaefer’s tenure has also been marked by the development of standout players who have garnered individual accolades:
- Rori Harmon: The freshman point guard was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year in the 2021-2022 season. Her exceptional performance earned her spots on the All-Big 12 Second Team, All-Defensive Team, and All-Freshman Team. Harmon also received All-America Honorable Mention honors from both the Associated Press and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, becoming the first freshman in school history to achieve such recognition. She concluded the season with 180 total assists, breaking the school record for single-season assists by a freshman.
- Charli Collier: Under Schaefer’s mentorship, Collier’s performance in the 2020-2021 season led to her being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, making her the first Texas player to achieve this honor. She averaged 19.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, becoming only the second Longhorn to average a double-double in multiple seasons. Collier’s 19 double-doubles that season were the second-most of any Division I player.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Schaefer’s coaching career is distinguished by a series of accomplishments that have solidified his reputation:
- Mississippi State University: Prior to joining Texas, Schaefer served as the head coach at Mississippi State from 2012 to 2020. During his tenure, he led the Bulldogs to five NCAA tournaments, including two National Championship game appearances. Notably, his team ended UConn’s 111-game winning streak in the 2017 Final Four, a victory that garnered national attention and an ESPY award for Best Upset.
- Consistent Elite Performance: As both a head and assistant coach, Schaefer has been part of one NCAA Championship, three NCAA Championship games, four Final Fours, eight Elite Eights, and 11 Sweet Sixteens. His teams have made five consecutive Elite Eight appearances and have reached the Sweet Sixteen in six straight years, dating back to the 2015-2016 season.
Looking ahead, the contract extension through 2030 provides Schaefer with a stable platform to continue building upon the program’s recent successes. The university’s investment reflects a commitment to sustained excellence and the development of student-athletes both on and off the court. With a strong foundation and a visionary leader at the helm, the future of Texas women’s basketball appears promising, poised to achieve new heights in the coming years.