Kansas State University is making it clear where its loyalty lies — and who it believes is the right person to continue leading its women’s basketball program. On Thursday, the university announced a one-year contract extension for head coach Jeff Mittie, solidifying his position through the 2029–30 season.
This move comes on the heels of a successful 2024–25 campaign in which Mittie guided the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. The postseason run reignited national attention around the program and, reportedly, sparked interest from a Southeastern Conference school — believed to be Missouri — during its recent coaching search. However, Missouri ultimately hired Kellie Harper, and Mittie remained in Manhattan, a move that Kansas State appears to be rewarding with this latest extension.
It marks the second consecutive year that Mittie has been offered additional time on his contract, a clear show of confidence from the university’s athletic department. While the school has not disclosed updated financial terms, under his previous deal Mittie was scheduled to make $780,000 next season, with gradual raises that would have brought his salary to $925,000 by the end of the agreement. It’s unclear whether the new extension adjusts those numbers upward or simply tacks on an additional year.
Mittie has been a steady force for Kansas State since arriving in 2014. Over his 11 seasons, he’s compiled a 218–143 record and has led the Wildcats to six NCAA Tournament appearances. His ability to consistently keep Kansas State competitive in the Big 12 — one of the toughest conferences in women’s basketball — has earned him respect across the country.
A major reason for the Wildcats’ success this past season was the performance of key players like Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell. Lee, one of the most dominant post players in the country, returned from injury to help anchor a run that re-energized the fanbase and elevated expectations for the program moving forward. That postseason success, combined with the potential for another strong year ahead, likely influenced the university’s decision to lock in Mittie for the long term.
Though rumors of interest from Missouri briefly swirled in coaching circles earlier this year, Mittie dismissed the speculation, signaling his intent to remain focused on Kansas State’s future. With the extension now in place, any doubts about his commitment have been firmly put to rest.
As the Wildcats prepare for the 2025–26 season, they do so with continuity, leadership, and a coach whose long-term vision continues to align with the university’s goals.
