“We’re all on the same page, from ownership, the front office, coaches, and players,” Ime Udoka says. “That’s reflected by my contract, but also the commitment we have with the players.”
Ime Udoka confirms other franchises tried to poach him from Houston this summer:
“Teams reached out, but no consideration on my part.”
More from Ime on summer extension reportedly worth $11M per year:
“Winning breeds success for everybody. … We’re all headed toward the same… pic.twitter.com/bg6xIF6Tnt
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) December 10, 2025
Per Sportico, Ime Udoka’s recent six-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets is worth approximately $11 million per season. That’s tied for the fourth-highest number among active NBA head coaches, trailing only Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors; Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat; and Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Lakers.
When the Rockets initially hired Udoka in April 2023, he was given a four-year deal worth approximately $7 million in annual value. But in taking the Rockets from last place in the Western Conference to second place in a span of two years, Udoka clearly earned a raise.
This week, in the aftermath of Sportico’s reporting, Chron.com’s Michael Shapiro asked Udoka about his new deal. Udoka replied:
Winning breeds success for everybody. Guys were rewarded with contracts, and extensions for coaches as well, on my staff. So, I think we’re all on the same page. The progress we’ve taken about developing guys, but at the same time, winning and trying to develop those habits.
We’re all on the same page, from ownership, coaches, and players. All are headed towards the same goal. That’s reflected by my contract, but also the commitment we have with the players that we signed.
Ownership is led by Tilman and Patrick Fertitta, while the front office is led by general manager Rafael Stone. Those player deals included an offseason trade for All-Star forward Kevin Durant and a subsequent contract extension.
Last offseason, it was reported that the New York Knicks attempted to speak with Udoka about their coaching vacancy, but the Rockets rejected the request.
According to Udoka, the Knicks weren’t alone in that interest. However, he has no interest in leaving a good situation with the Rockets (16-6), who are winning at a high level and rewarding those throughout the organization who are helping make that happen.
“Teams reached out,” Udoka said. “But no consideration, on my part.”
Ime Udoka sits No. 4 in the NBA in head-coach salary, per new @Sportico reporting. @HoustonRockets coach said in September his contract extension was for “six years.” Seems like $66-or-so million investment from Houston.
Well worth it given franchise’s turnaround. pic.twitter.com/SKnsblkWvB
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) December 10, 2025