Big news is brewing in Iowa City, as the Hawkeyes look to lock down the architect of their recent resurgence. Iowa Athletics Director Beth Goetz has confirmed that the university is actively working on a contract extension for head men's basketball coach Ben McCollum.

The move comes as no surprise following a landmark season. In his first year at the helm, McCollum led Iowa to 24 wins and a thrilling run to the Elite Eight, the program's deepest NCAA Tournament push since 1987. That kind of immediate success makes securing his future a top priority.

"Ben and I have been in close contact throughout the tournament and feel like we’re certainly going to make some adjustments to his agreement," Goetz stated. "We feel really good about where we are." The new deal is expected to include both an increase in salary and additional years, a fitting reward for a coach who has quickly reinvigorated Hawkeye basketball.

McCollum's commitment was further demonstrated this offseason when he reportedly turned down an interview with a blue-blood program like North Carolina, choosing instead to continue building in Iowa City. His current contract runs through 2031, with a base salary set to rise to $3.6 million next season, not including the $150,000 bonus he earned for the Elite Eight appearance.

For Hawkeye fans, this is a clear signal that the administration is fully invested in McCollum's vision. "He had a heck of a season," Goetz said, "and it certainly makes sense that we would look to make sure we can continue to help him build a championship culture here at Iowa." With negotiations in the final stages, it appears a new deal securing McCollum's leadership for the long term is just on the horizon.