Eric Konkol, the current head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, has quickly made a name for himself in college basketball.
After a successful tenure at Louisiana Tech, where he amassed an impressive 153-75 record, Konkol took over the Tulsa program in March 2022. Under his leadership, Tulsa looks to rise in the ranks of college basketball, continuing the momentum he built at his previous position.
Fans and students alike are eager to see how Konkol will transform the team with his dedication and strategic approach.
Known for leading the Bulldogs to six 20-win seasons and making two postseason appearances, his track record speaks volumes about his coaching capabilities. As Konkol embarks on this new journey with Tulsa, his ambition to elevate the team’s performance is clear.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Konkol also engages with the community through initiatives like the Eric Konkol Basketball Camps, offering young players the opportunity to learn from him directly.
This dedication to both the sport and its future players further showcases why his presence at Tulsa is noteworthy. With his impressive background and clear vision, Eric Konkol is set to make a significant impact on the Golden Hurricane’s basketball program.
Who Is Eric Konkol?
Eric Konkol is the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane men’s basketball team. He has a long history in college basketball as both a coach and a player.
His background includes growing up in Wisconsin, attending universities in Wisconsin and Tennessee, and both playing and coaching at different levels of college basketball.
Where Did Eric Konkol Grow Up?
Eric Konkol grew up in Amherst, Wisconsin. This small, Midwestern town is where he spent his early years and developed his love for basketball.
Growing up in a close-knit community likely influenced his coaching style, promoting team unity and work ethic. Amherst is part of the larger Wisconsin region, known for its strong support for local sports.
Where Did Eric Konkol Play College Basketball?
Eric Konkol played college basketball at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. At Wisconsin-Eau Claire, he majored in kinesiology, which helps explain his deep understanding of the physical aspects of basketball.
After graduating in 2000, he furthered his education by obtaining a master’s in sports management from Tennessee in 2002.
Where Does Eric Konkol Live?
Eric Konkol currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he leads the men’s basketball program.
Living in Tulsa allows him to be close to the University of Tulsa and integrate into the community, fostering relationships with players, staff, and fans. His move to Tulsa in 2022 marked the beginning of his newest chapter as the 31st head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Who Is Eric Konkol Married To?
Eric Konkol is married to Meagan Konkol. The couple has two sons, Ethan and Ryan, forming a supportive family unit that shares his journey in college basketball.
Meagan and their children often participate in university events, offering a personal connection to the Tulsa community and the team he coaches.
Eric Konkol Professional Career
Eric Konkol has built a notable career in college basketball, moving through various teams and roles. His coaching journey includes significant tenures at several institutions, leading to his current position. Below are the details of his professional coaching path, accomplishments, and future prospects.
What Teams Has Eric Konkol Previously Coached For?
Eric Konkol started his coaching career with multiple assistant coaching positions. One notable position was at George Mason University under head coach Jim Larrañaga.
He later became an assistant coach at the University of Miami (FL), again working with Larrañaga.
In 2015, he took a head coach role at Louisiana Tech. At Louisiana Tech, he led the Bulldogs to numerous successful seasons, including multiple 20-win seasons and postseason appearances.
What Team Is Eric Konkol Currently Coaching For?
Eric Konkol is currently the head coach for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. He was named the 31st head coach on March 21, 2022.
Since taking over, he has aimed to revitalize the program. The team plays their home games at the Reynolds Center. Under his leadership, the Golden Hurricane aims to improve their standing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Does Eric Konkol Want To Coach In The NBA?
As of now, there are no public indications that Konkol has aspirations to move to the NBA. His focus appears to be on building successful college basketball programs.
His current commitment to Tulsa shows his dedication to college basketball. If his performance continues to excel, the NBA could become an option in the future, though he hasn’t publicly expressed this intent.
What Are Eric Konkol Future Prospects?
Looking forward, Eric Konkol’s future in college basketball coaching seems promising. He has a track record of turning around programs and achieving success, making him a sought-after coach.
At Tulsa, his main goal is to lead the Golden Hurricane to more postseason appearances, ideally competing in the NIT Championship and NCAA tournaments.
Success with Tulsa could potentially lead to offers from larger programs.
Eric Konkol Major Achievements And Awards
One significant achievement in Konkol’s career was being named Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2021.
During his tenure at Louisiana Tech, he led the team to six 20-win seasons. Under his guidance, Louisiana Tech recorded 153 victories, making him third on the program’s all-time wins list.
Additionally, he’s known for creating a strong home court environment and improving team scoring and defense metrics consistently.
Similar Coaches To Eric Konkol
Several coaches share a similar career trajectory and coaching philosophy to Eric Konkol.
He worked alongside Buzz Peterson and has often been compared to Frank Haith, who also had a substantial impact on rebuilding college programs.
Both Haith and Konkol have experience in Conference USA and have led their teams to significant postseason success. These similarities underline Konkol’s potential to make a lasting impact at Tulsa.
How Does Eric Konkol Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Eric Konkol has effectively navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. His approach focuses on creating a unified team atmosphere while maximizing the benefits for student-athletes.
Eric Konkol And Transfer Portal
Eric Konkol’s success with the transfer portal stems from his ability to identify and recruit talent that fits well with his team’s culture.
At Louisiana Tech, he effectively leveraged the transfer portal to bring in players who exhibited toughness and the ability to work together as a unified team.
This approach has been crucial in bringing in players who can make an immediate impact.
For instance, under his guidance, the Golden Hurricane basketball program has seen renewed vigor, partly due to his strategic use of the transfer portal to fill key positions and bolster team performance.
Eric Konkol And NIL Money
Eric Konkol has also adapted well to the new landscape of college basketball shaped by NIL money.
He encourages his players to take advantage of opportunities to profit from their name, image, and likeness, while also ensuring it does not disrupt team unity.
This understanding allows him to guide his athletes through the complexities of NIL deals, ensuring that they make choices that benefit their long-term career and collegiate experience.
By integrating NIL strategies with a focus on toughness and togetherness, Konkol creates an environment where players feel supported both financially and athletically.
How Much Is Eric Konkol’s Contract For?
Eric Konkol, the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane men’s basketball team, has a notable contract that includes both a base salary and various incentives. The details provide insight into his total compensation package.
How Much Does Eric Konkol Make In Salary Per Year?
Eric Konkol’s annual salary with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is a significant part of his overall compensation.
Reports indicate that his yearly base salary is approximately $600,000. This figure is competitive among head coaches in college basketball and reflects his successful track record.
Being a head coach involves not only training players but also handling extensive administrative and strategic tasks for the team.
How Much Does Eric Konkol Make In Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his base salary, Eric Konkol’s contract includes performance-based incentives.
These incentives can add a substantial amount to his annual earnings. Incentives may be tied to achievements like conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and academic performance of team players.
While exact figures can vary, such incentives may amount to $200,000 or more per year, enhancing his overall income.
What Is Eric Konkol Net Worth?
Eric Konkol, the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane men’s basketball team, has made a substantial impact in college basketball. His career involves significant achievements that contribute to his financial status.
Coaching Salary
As of his latest position, Eric Konkol’s annual salary as head coach at Tulsa is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $1.2 million. This range factors in typical earnings for coaches at his level and experience.
Previous Earnings
Before joining Tulsa, Konkol spent seven seasons at Louisiana Tech. There, he compiled an impressive record and was compensated accordingly, with earnings estimated between $500,000 and $700,000 annually.
Endorsements and Bonuses
In addition to his base salary, Konkol’s net worth is boosted by performance bonuses and endorsements.
Bonuses could be awarded for team performance milestones and tournament advancements. Endorsement deals, although less common in college basketball, may still contribute a moderate amount to his income.
Estimated Net Worth
When considering his salary, bonuses, and possible endorsements over his career, Eric Konkol’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million.
This estimate takes into account his earnings across various coaching positions and factors in living expenses and career investments.
Eric Konkol’s financial success reflects his dedication and accomplishments in college basketball, as seen in his successful tenure with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and his current role with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.