Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has signed a long-term contract extension that positions him among the NBA’s highest-paid coaches, according to Shams Charania.
The deal follows a resurgent 2024–25 season in which Houston secured 52 wins and finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, their best finish in seven years.
Udoka’s impact in just his second season at the helm has been substantial. The Rockets clinched both a playoff berth and the Southwest Division title for the first time since 2020.
Despite an early postseason exit in a seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors, the franchise’s growth under Udoka was evident throughout the year.
The Rockets began the regular season 3–3 but quickly surged into the upper tier of the conference with consistent two-way production and player development.
Houston ranked in the top six in both net rating and defensive efficiency, a notable turnaround from previous campaigns.
The front office’s commitment to retaining Udoka long-term also comes in response to external interest. New York Knicks were denied permission to interview him amid their ongoing coaching search.
New York parted ways with Tom Thibodeau following a 51-win season and Eastern Conference Finals appearance, but the Rockets were not willing to entertain overtures for Udoka.
