Paul Mills, the current head coach of the Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball team, has quickly become a key figure in the American Athletic Conference.
Announced as the 27th head coach on March 22, 2023, Mills has already started to make significant strides with the Shockers.
This marks an exciting era for Wichita State Athletics, as they aim to build on their rich history and winning tradition.
The Shockers’ roster boasts experienced players who are well-acquainted with playing in significant games.
Mills’ initial summer with the Shockers laid the foundation, and now in his second summer, competition within the team has reached new heights.
This familiarity with his coaching style and expectations is fostering stronger team dynamics and higher performance levels.
Mills and his family were “extremely excited about being a part of Wichita State University,” as he mentioned during his introduction at Charles Koch Arena.
Wichita State fans, known for their passionate support, fill the arena and create an electrifying atmosphere that can greatly influence the games.
With the Shockers striving to excel, the future looks bright for both Mills and Wichita State basketball in the American Athletic Conference.
Who Is Paul Mills?
Paul Mills is an American college basketball coach currently leading the Wichita State Shockers. He has a strong background in basketball both as a player and a coach.
Mills is known for his coaching skills and his dedication to the sport.
Where Did Paul Mills Grow Up?
Paul Mills grew up in Texas.
He attended various schools in the Houston area, including North Belt Christian Academy, Fort Bend Baptist Academy, and MacArthur High School.
These schools played a significant role in shaping his early education and athletic career.
Mills’ upbringing in Texas, surrounded by a strong sports culture, fueled his passion for basketball from a young age.
Where Did Paul Mills Play College Basketball?
Paul Mills did not play college basketball at the traditional Division I level, but he stayed closely involved with the sport.
He attended Dallas Theological Seminary to further his education.
Although he did not pursue collegiate basketball as an athlete, his understanding and knowledge of the game grew through coaching experiences and learning from various basketball programs.
Where Does Paul Mills Live?
Paul Mills currently resides in Wichita, Kansas.
He relocated to Wichita after being appointed the head men’s basketball coach for the Wichita State Shockers.
Living in Wichita allows him to be close to the university and immerse himself in the community, building strong relationships with players, staff, and fans.
Who Is Paul Mills Married To?
Paul Mills is married to Wendy Scott.
The couple has been together for many years, and Wendy has been a supportive partner throughout his coaching career.
They share a strong bond and have raised a family together.
Wendy’s support has been integral to Paul’s success, both personally and professionally.
Their partnership reflects commitment and mutual support, essential qualities for enduring the challenges of a coaching career.
Paul Mills’ Professional Career
Paul Mills has built a significant career in college basketball through dedication and proven success. This section covers his coaching history, current position at Wichita State University, ambitions for the NBA, future prospects, major achievements, and compares him to similar coaches.
What Teams Has Paul Mills Previously Coached For?
Paul Mills began his coaching career at Rice University as an assistant coach.
He then moved to Baylor University, serving under head coach Scott Drew for 14 years.
Here, Mills contributed to Baylor’s impressive runs in the NCAA Tournament, including multiple Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances.
In 2017, Paul Mills took the head coaching job at Oral Roberts University.
Under his leadership, Oral Roberts shocked the basketball world by reaching the Sweet 16 in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
What Team Is Paul Mills Currently Coaching For?
Paul Mills is currently the head coach of the Wichita State Shockers.
He took over the role on March 22, 2023. Mills was formally introduced the next day and quickly made his presence felt.
Wichita State, a member of the American Athletic Conference, aims to leverage Mills’ experience to elevate their performance in upcoming seasons.
Does Paul Mills Want To Coach In The NBA?
Up to now, Paul Mills has not publicly stated a desire to coach in the NBA.
His focus remains on college basketball, where he has demonstrated considerable success.
Mills has expressed his commitment to building a strong program at Wichita State, suggesting a long-term vision for the team.
What Are Paul Mills’ Future Prospects?
Mills’ future in coaching looks promising.
Known for his strategic thinking and ability to develop talent, he could lead Wichita State to deep NCAA Tournament runs.
His success at Oral Roberts, where he coached standout players like Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor, makes him a strong candidate for higher-profile college coaching positions.
Paul Mills’ Major Achievements And Awards
While at Oral Roberts, Paul Mills was named the Summit League Coach of the Year.
His team’s performance in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including victories over Ohio State and Florida, raised his profile significantly.
Mills also played a key role in Baylor’s success during his time as an assistant coach, contributing to the team’s numerous NCAA Tournament appearances.
Similar Coaches To Paul Mills
Paul Mills shares similarities with coaches like Scott Drew, who also built successful programs in challenging environments.
His career path mirrors that of Willis Wilson, a former head coach at Rice and Texas A&M.
Both have taken on leadership roles in developing teams and have shown the ability to elevate programs to new heights.
How Does Paul Mills Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Paul Mills has effectively utilized the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and transfer portal strategies to bolster the Wichita State Shockers basketball program, focusing on recruiting and team building.
Paul Mills And Transfer Portal
Paul Mills has strategically navigated the transfer portal to build a competitive team.
At Wichita State, he has been keen on recruiting players with proven college experience, which helps maintain tempo and scoring consistency.
Under Mills, the Shockers brought in experienced players, addressing specific needs such as defense and three-point shooting.
The transfer portal allows him to quickly adjust the roster to fill any gaps.
This approach minimizes the adjustment period and leverages the players’ existing skills for a smoother transition into Mills’ offensive schemes.
Paul Mills And NIL Money
Paul Mills also embraces NIL opportunities to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Wichita State players benefit from these deals, which boosts their financial stability.
This is critical in the post-COVID-19 era, where players are looking for off-court financial opportunities.
Mills has been actively involved in educating players about NIL deals and encourages them to capitalize on their marketability.
By supporting his athletes in securing these endorsements, Mills ensures they are financially rewarded, which also aids in recruiting top talent who are looking to benefit from NIL rights.
How Much Is Paul Mills’ Contract For?
Paul Mills has a substantial contract at Wichita State University. His pay includes both a base salary and various incentives. This provides a thorough look at his earnings.
How Much Does Paul Mills Make In Salary Per Year?
Paul Mills’ annual salary at Wichita State University is significant.
His base salary is $1.2 million per year. This reflects his experience and past success in college basketball coaching.
For more details, his full employment agreement can be found here.
How Much Does Paul Mills Make In Incentives Per Year?
Apart from his base salary, Paul Mills earns additional incentives based on team performance and achievements.
For instance, if the Wichita State Shockers win a conference championship, he receives a bonus.
Additional goals include reaching the NCAA tournament. Each achievement adds to his total compensation.
In one notable case, his contract allows for a one-time automatic one-year extension, including $1.914 million for the 2028-29 season if the team wins the conference.
Further details are available in Wichita State’s announcement.
These performance-based bonuses are crucial in motivating the team and ensuring high standards.
What Is Paul Mills’ Net Worth?
Paul Mills, the head coach of the Wichita State Shockers, brings a significant amount of financial stability to his role.
Salary Details:
He signed a five-year contract with the university, which is reported to be substantial.
This contract includes a base salary and various performance bonuses, although exact numbers are not publicly detailed.
Buyouts and Bonuses:
Mills also benefited from buyout money from his previous job at Oral Roberts.
Such payments are standard when coaches transition between schools, helping ease the financial shift.
Additional Income:
His financial portfolio may also include speaking engagements and clinics. Many college coaches supplement their earnings with such opportunities.
Educational Background:
Mills has a degree in finance from Texas A&M, which suggests he could be savvy in managing his earnings.
Financial Overview:
- Contract Duration: 5 Years
- Team: Wichita State Shockers
- Previous Team: Oral Roberts
- Additional Education: Master of Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary
Community Perception:
Kevin Saal, the athletic director, has expressed confidence in Mills, stating his hiring brings value to the team and community. This endorsement suggests a belief in not just his coaching skills but his overall contribution to the university.
In conclusion, Paul Mills’ net worth is influenced by a combination of his contract, previous buyouts, additional engagements, and financial acumen.