UCLA Bruins sign men's basketball coach Mick Cronin to 6-year deal through 2027-28 season

The UCLA Bruins, after reaching the Final Four last season for the first time in more than a decade, signed men's basketball coach Mick Cronin to a new six-year contract through the 2027-28 season, it was announced Thursday.

The school didn't release financial terms of the contract, but Cronin, who made $3.7 million per year in his old deal, is expected to be the highest-paid coach in the Pac-12 and among the top 15 in the country. This new deal is expected to increase his compensation, as he drew interest for multiple coaching vacancies this season — including the opening at Louisville.

Cronin has gone 66-29 in his three seasons in Westwood, reaching both of the NCAA tournaments that were held in that time. UCLA (25-7), a No. 4 seed, will face No. 13 seed Akron on Thursday night.

«Mick Cronin is one of the best coaches in the country, and this deal signifies our commitment to keeping him at UCLA and competing for national championships,» athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement.

«Mick is the right leader for our program because he knows what it means to represent the four letters, he won't settle for less than being an elite program, and he wins with integrity. He has done a tremendous job of developing young men, and his players respect him.»

The deal signifies a strong commitment from both sides, as Cronin drew interest from multiple jobs during the latest cycle. The new six-year deal and bump in compensation should quiet potential suitors in the immediate set a path for Cronin to be at UCLA for a significant stretch.

«I believe we have created a culture of success and competitive greatness at UCLA,» Cronin said in a statement. «I am totally committed to seeing this process through with the goal of