Iowa State locks in HC T.J. Otzelberger with massive new deal

The Iowa State Cyclones aren't going to let head men's basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger go anywhere. There was a big-time head coaching opening that popped up last month with the North Carolina Tar Heels, and Otzelberger was one of the names that was bandied around for UNC. With Mark Pope's future with the Kentucky Wildcats looking questionable and Bill Self's health a concern with the Kansas Jayhawks, more opportunities for a "blueblood" to steal Otzelberger from ISU could be on the horizon. That's clearly why the Cyclones have stepped up to the plate to give Otzelberger, 48, a massive contract extension. The school announced on Wednesday that he's been extended through the 2036 season with an increase in his salary. Otzelberger will now make $6 million a year. "Coach Otzelberger has elevated our men's basketball program into a perennial NCAA Tournament and Top 25 team.  This contract extension demonstrates Iowa State University's commitment to him by making him one of the highest-paid basketball coaches in the country," Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said in a statement. "We are excited to reward him for the success we have enjoyed during his first five years leading the Cyclones and we look forward to continued success under his leadership." Otzelberger has been the head coach at Iowa State since mid-March of 2021. He inherited a 2-22 team and quickly got the Cylones back on track.  Iowa State has made the NCAA Tournament in five straight seasons under Otzelberger, and that includes three runs to the Sweet 16. He's already notched 30 wins over AP Top 25 teams, which is the most by any coach in Iowa State history, and 15 of those wins came over AP top 10 opponents.  Otzelberger is 124-53 in five seasons, which is good for a winning percentage of .701. Notably, he's also 54-38 in Big 12 play, which is not an easy feat. "I'm thankful for the support of our President, Dr. Cook and our Athletics Director, Jamie Pollard," Otzelberger said via the news release. "We are humbled and grateful to continue leading a program that means so much to us. Iowa State is home for my family, and we are excited to be part of the community for years to come." Otzelberger will now be easily within the top 10 of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball. Previously, he was making $4.3 million a year. Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!