Vic Schaefer serves as the basketball coach or manager of the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team. Prior to that position, he was the head coach of Mississippi State (2011 to 2020) and Sam Houston State (1990 to 1997).
Early life
Vic Schaefer was born on March 2, 1961, and grew up with his sister named Elaine (the older sister). His father’s name is Charles, and his mother’s name is Dot. His father was a civil engineer and served nearly 32 years in the army. Both his father and mother are now dead and buried in La Grange, Texas. Vic grew up in Houston and received his degree from Texas A&M. He spent much of his coaching time in the Lone Star State, he told ESPN.
Vic Schaefer career
Vic Schaefer is a highly accomplished American college basketball coach, renowned for his defensive strategies and success in women’s basketball. Born on March 2, 1961, he has built a 40-year career marked by deep NCAA Tournament runs and conference dominance. Currently, he leads the University of Texas Longhorns women’s team.
Early Career
Schaefer started as an assistant coach for men’s basketball at Sam Houston State in 1987, then took over the women’s program as head coach from 1990 to 1997. He rebuilt the team, achieving a Southland Conference Coach of the Year award in 1996 after 18 wins. Later, he served as an assistant at Arkansas (1997-2003) and associate head coach at Texas A&M (2003-2012), contributing to Big 12 titles.
This intense sideline moment captures Schaefer’s passionate coaching style during a game.
Mississippi State (2012-2020)
At Mississippi State, Schaefer transformed the Bulldogs into a powerhouse with a 365-98 record overall. Highlights include back-to-back Final Fours (2017, 2018), national championship games, and snapping UConn’s 111-game win streak in 2017 (66-64 OT). He secured two SEC regular-season titles, one tournament title, and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors, including espnW National Coach of the Year.
Texas Longhorns (2020-Present)
Since joining Texas in 2020, Schaefer has a 144-36 record through five seasons as of 2025, leading to an Elite Eight in his debut year and sustained elite play. He was named 2025 SEC Coach of the Year, 2023 Big 12 Coach of the Year, and guided recent teams to 68-9 over two seasons. Across programs, he’s reached three Final Fours, seven Elite Eights, and boasts a career head coaching mark of around 435-206.
Achievements
Schaefer has won two National Coach of the Year awards and five conference Coach of the Year honors. One of the few coaches to lead two programs to Final Fours, his emphasis on tough, physical defense has defined his tenure everywhere he’s coached.
Vic Schaefer Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Victor Ernest Schaefer |
| birth date | March 2, 1961 |
| Age | 65 years |
| Place of birth | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Profession | basketball coach |
| University | Texas A&M University |
| qualification | graduate |
Physical Statistics | |
| Height | in feet inches – 5′ 7” – in centimeters – 170 cm |
| Weight | in kilograms – 80kg – in pounds – 176 pounds |
| Hair color | Brown |
| eye color | Brown |
Vic Schaefer Family | |
| Father | – |
| Mother | – |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | – |
relationship status | |
| Marital status | Married |
| Who is Vic Schaefer’s wife? | Holly Schaefer |
| Children | Two (Blair & Logan Schaefer) |
Personal life
Schaefer is a happily married man with a wife and two adult children. His wife’s name is Holly; she was also an athlete of her time. She played basketball at Arkansas State and also served as an assistant coach at UT Arlington. The couple gave birth to twins named Blair and Logan. Her two twin children graduated from Mississippi State in 2017-2018. One of her children, Blair Schaefer, is known for holding the position of assistant coach in Texas.
Vic Schaefer net worth
Vic Schaefer’s net worth is not publicly disclosed or reliably estimated as of 2026, with most sources from 2024-2025 stating it as unavailable. One older estimate pegs it around $5 million based on his long coaching career, but this lacks verification.
Salary and Contract
Schaefer earns $2.3 million annually as the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball head coach through the 2026-27 season. In February 2025, he signed a 3-year extension through 2029-30, with his salary rising $100,000 yearly after 2026-27 to reach $2.6 million in the final year. His original 2020 seven-year deal totaled $13.8 million, including perks like $300,000 moving expenses.
Income Sources
Beyond base salary, Schaefer’s earnings include bonuses, incentives, and a 2022 special payment of $261,259. Endorsements are minimal or unreported, ranking him among the top-paid women’s coaches (fourth in 2024-25). Prior roles at Mississippi State added to his wealth through similar high-value contracts.