Chris Holtmann took a lower salary in contract extension to help with DePaul’s NIL, here’s why

DePaul University's men's basketball head coach, Chris Holtmann, has agreed to a contract extension through the 2030-31 season, although he took a pay cut to support the Blue Demons' newly expanded NIL efforts. The coach confirmed to reporters at DePaul's media day that he is earning less than initially agreed upon, with those funds being redirected toward the Blue Demons' efforts in the growing college athletics landscape.

DePaul is a private university, so Holtmann's salary details are not publicly available. The contract extension conversations had already been taking place between Holtmann and DePaul athletics director DeWayne Peevy, with the two effectively agreeing on the terms before they were formally finalized. Holtmann pitched the idea of using some of his salary for the roster after returning from the summer, citing DePaul's position in the ever-changing landscape and the shift in its NIL standing.

The coach emphasized the importance of being demonstrative in his commitment to the NIL movement, saying that he wanted to "put his money where his mouth is" by reducing his own salary. Holtmann is not the first head coach to divert funds toward NIL efforts; Florida State football coach Mike Norvell and former Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy also made similar concessions in 2024.

However, Holtmann's decision comes as he enters his third season at DePaul, where he has led the team to an 8-12 record in the Big East last year.