From NBA Sidelines to BYU Spotlight: Kevin Young’s $30M Leap to College Coaching Glory
In a bold and unexpected move that has sent ripples through both professional and college basketball, Kevin Young has left the NBA behind to take on the head coaching role at Brigham Young University (BYU). The deal, reportedly worth $30 million, marks one of the most lucrative contracts ever given to a college basketball coach—and certainly one of the most ambitious.
Young, who served as the associate head coach of the Phoenix Suns and has been a prominent figure in NBA coaching circles for years, is taking a leap that many consider unconventional. NBA coaches rarely leave the professional ranks for college, especially when positioned so close to a potential head coaching job in the league. However, Young sees something unique at BYU: a chance to build his own program, mold young athletes on and off the court, and create a legacy far different from what he could have achieved in the NBA.
BYU’s decision to court Young with such a high salary shows their commitment to elevating the program’s national profile, especially now as the Cougars settle into the competitive Big 12 Conference. The school is betting that Young’s experience, energy, and professional acumen can translate into long-term success on the college stage. His NBA pedigree also brings immediate credibility in recruiting—an essential factor in today’s college basketball landscape, where attracting top talent often hinges on a coach’s ability to prepare players for the next level.
For Young, the opportunity is as much about personal fulfillment as it is professional challenge. College coaching offers a different rhythm and purpose: the chance to mentor, to shape young lives, and to control every aspect of a program—from culture to strategy to recruitment. It’s not just about wins and losses, but about development and community impact. That holistic appeal was reportedly a big factor in Young’s decision.
This transition isn’t without its challenges. Young will have to adjust to the NCAA’s complex recruiting landscape, including managing NIL deals, transfer portals, and academic requirements—all while competing against seasoned college coaches with years of experience. Yet, his fresh approach and NBA insight could be exactly what BYU needs to break through as a perennial power in the Big 12.
Ultimately, Kevin Young’s $30 million leap to BYU is more than a coaching change—it’s a signal. It shows that top-tier college programs are willing to invest NBA-level money in leadership to compete on a national stage. It also demonstrates that for some coaches, legacy and impact outweigh the allure of NBA glitz. If Young succeeds, this could become a blueprint for future transitions between the NBA and college basketball.
For now, all eyes are on Provo, where one of the game’s brightest minds takes center stage. Kevin Young is no longer just a name behind an NBA bench—he’s the face of BYU basketball’s future.
