Ime Udoka’s impressive turnaround of the Houston Rockets has led to a significant new contract that places him among the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Udoka has agreed to a long-term extension with the team, following a successful season where the Rockets notched 52 wins and secured a playoff berth as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Udoka’s journey with the Rockets began in April 2023 when he was hired on a four-year, $28.5 million deal. As coaching salaries have surged—marked notably by Monty Williams’ $78.5 million agreement with the Detroit Pistons—Udoka’s new contract reflects the growing value of top coaching talent in the league. Previously, he earned an average annual salary of $7.1 million, which was below the threshold of the top ten highest-paid NBA coaches, as highlighted by Sportico.
Over his two seasons with the Rockets, Udoka has led the team to a commendable 93-71 record. Although their 2024-25 season culminated in a first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets’ progress is evident. This marked a notable leap for an organization that had not reached the playoffs in four years, showcasing their resilience and potential for growth.
Furthermore, the Rockets concluded the season with a fourth-place finish in net rating and seventh in defensive rating—their best defensive performance since 2008-09. With a young core consisting of talents like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson, all having just wrapped up their age-22 seasons, the future looks bright for the team.
Overall, Udoka’s leadership has not only reinvigorated the Rockets’ competitive spirit but has also set a strong foundation for sustained success, fostering hope among fans and players alike for upcoming seasons.