Oklahoma State’s Mike Boynton receives raise and contract extension

Cross one Big 12 coach off the list of potential candidates for the Texas Longhorns.

On Monday, news broke that Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Boynton received a seven-year contract extension that raises his annual salary to $3 million after the fourth-year head coach received interest from programs in other power conferences, according to Matt Norlander of CBSSports.com and confirmed by other outlets, then Oklahoma State itself.

“I’m very thankful to coach Holder for his initial vision back in 2017, and his leadership team, as well as President Hargis and the Board of Regents for the opportunity to keep building on what we’ve done so far,” Boynton said in a release issued by the school. “I appreciate all of the fans, alumni and lettermen for loving this program so much, which has given us a story to tell recruits. I’m honored to continue to represent Mr. Iba and coach Sutton’s program, and for the privilege of mentoring the young men who believe in our vision. My family and I are excited for the work that lies in front of us, and looking forward to celebrating much success with all of the great people we’ve grown to love over the last four years.”

Boynton’s profile increased this season after signing Cade Cunningham, the nation’s No. 1 prospect, and developing the roster around Cunningham well enough to make the Big 12 championship game and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. With a 21-9 record overall and 11-7 mark in conference play, the Cowboys were one of the nation’s hottest teams in February, winning five straight and seven of nine to finish the regular season.

Over four seasons, Boynton has a 72-58 record overall (.554) with a 31-41 mark in conference play (.431). Before taking over in Stillwater, Boynton had served as an assistant coach for Brad Underwood, including at Stephen F. Austin. So when Underwood left Oklahoma State after one season to become the head coach at Illinois, Boynton received a promotion.

With Shaka Smart departing to become the next head coach at Marquette, Boynton’s name surfaced as a potential replacement, though Texas Tech’s Chris Beard and Brooklyn Nets assistant Royal Ivey have emerged as the top candidates to replace Smart. Ivey interviewed with the Longhorns on Sunday and there was enough confidence about Beard returning to Austin that one source told Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News on Friday night that Beard to Texas was “a done deal.”

So far, news from Lubbock was been remarkably quiet, but as April 1 approaches, when Beard’s buyout to move to another Big 12 school decreases from $5 million to $4 million, Boynton is no longer an option.