Net Worth Ranker
What Is Roy Williams’ Net Worth?
Roy Williams, a celebrated figure in American college basketball, boasts a net worth of approximately $12 million as of 2025. This financial standing reflects his successful career as a head coach for both the Kansas Jayhawks and the North Carolina Tar Heels. His journey from a young coach to a nationally recognized leader in college basketball has not only defined his career but also contributed significantly to his financial success.
Early Career and Coaching Beginnings
Born on August 1, 1950, in Marion, North Carolina, Roy Williams’ early life was rooted in a passion for sports. He honed his skills at T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning all-county and all-conference honors in basketball during 1967 and 1968. His collegiate journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill further solidified his commitment to basketball. His coaching career commenced in 1973 at Charles D. Owen High School in Black Mountain, North Carolina, where he took on the roles of basketball, golf, and football coach, as well as athletic director for two years. From 1978, Roy served for a decade as Dean Smith’s assistant coach. UNC went 275-61 and won the NCAA national championship in 1982 during his tenure.
Kansas Jayhawks: Building a Legacy
In 1988, Williams embarked on a new chapter, accepting the head coach position at the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Over 15 seasons, until 2003, he amassed a remarkable record of 418-101, positioning him second only to Phog Allen in all-time wins for the school. Under Williams’ guidance, the Jayhawks achieved consistent success, marked by 14 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. The Jayhawks made four Final Four appearances and two national championship appearances. They also won nine regular-season conference championship titles. The 2001-02 season was particularly noteworthy, as Kansas became the first team to go undefeated in the Big 12. During Williams’ tenure, the team led the nation in winning percentage in 1997 and 2002, in field goal percentage in 1990 and 2002, and in assists in 2001 and 2002. The Jayhawks also recorded the most wins and the best winning percentage of any team in the ’90s.
Return to North Carolina: National Championships and Milestones
In 2003, Roy Williams returned to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina (UNC), as head coach of the Tar Heels. In his first season, he led the team to a 19-11 record and an NCAA tournament appearance. The following year, with the help of freshman Marvin Williams, the Tar Heels claimed the 2005 NCAA national championship title. Despite the departure of top scorers, Williams was named Coach of the Year. Recruiting top talent, including Ty Lawson, Deon Thompson, and Brandan Wright, for the 2006-07 season, Williams led the Tar Heels to the #1 seed and an ACC tournament victory, though their postseason run ended in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. The Tar Heels made it to the Final Four the following season. In the 2008-09 season, the team won its third consecutive ACC regular season and the NCAA national championship title, Williams’ second. The Tar Heels finished the regular season 16-15 in 2010 and fell in the first round of the ACC tournament due to a scandal. In 2011, the team bounced back to claim another ACC regular-season title. The Tar Heels won the ACC championship in 2011-12 and then made it to the Elite Eight. Williams and the Tar Heels won the regular-season and ACC tournament titles in 2015-16, reaching a national championship appearance against Villanova, but ultimately losing. In the 2016-17 season, Roy led the Tar Heels to another NCAA national championship title. He became one of only a handful of NCAA Men’s Division I college basketball coaches to have won three or more national championship titles. In early 2021, Williams recorded his 900th win, making him the fastest men’s coach to ever reach that number. He retired from coaching a few months later.
Career Earnings and Contract Details
While specific contract details from his time at Kansas and North Carolina are not fully public, it is known that Roy Williams was among the highest-paid college basketball coaches. Estimates suggest that during his later years at UNC, his annual salary was in the range of $3 million to $4 million, inclusive of base salary, bonuses, and endorsements. Over the course of his head coaching career, spanning 33 years at Kansas and North Carolina, Roy Williams’ earnings likely exceeded $60 million. This figure encompasses his salary, performance bonuses, endorsements, and other incentives outlined in his coaching contracts. Precise figures for specific years are not publicly available, but these estimates reflect the significant financial compensation associated with his position as one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball.
Real Estate Holdings
During his time in Lawrence, Kansas, Roy Williams owned a substantial residence that reflected his status in the community. While the exact address is not publicly available, it was known to be a spacious property in a desirable neighborhood, providing ample space for his family and for entertaining. The property likely included amenities such as a well-manicured lawn, a swimming pool, and a multi-car garage. Upon returning to North Carolina, Williams acquired a home in Chapel Hill, reflecting his deep ties to the university and the area. Although the specific address remains private, the residence is situated in a location convenient to the UNC campus. This home likely serves as his primary residence, where he enjoys his retirement with his wife, Wanda. These real estate holdings are an important aspect of his overall asset portfolio and contribute to his financial stability.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Roy Williams’ personal life is closely intertwined with his career and his commitment to the University of North Carolina. He and his wife, Wanda, are both UNC alumni. Together, they have a son, Scott, and a daughter, Kimberly, both of whom also attended UNC. Roy and Wanda have a track record of donating to their alma mater in support of student scholarships, reflecting their commitment to education and the success of future generations. Roy is also the co-author of an autobiography titled “Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court,” co-written by Tim Crothers and released in 2009. The book covers Williams’ early life, coaching career, and his choice to leave Kansas for North Carolina.
Net Worth Composition
Roy Williams’ $12 million net worth is comprised of several key components. A significant portion is derived from his career earnings as the head basketball coach at both Kansas and North Carolina. While precise salary figures for each year are not public, his consistent presence as one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport contributed substantially to his overall wealth. Real estate holdings are another key component of Williams’ net worth. These properties, acquired during his tenures at Kansas and North Carolina, have likely appreciated in value over time, further bolstering his financial standing. Endorsement deals, though smaller in scale compared to professional athletes, provided additional income streams throughout his career. These partnerships likely involved local and regional businesses, reflecting his respected status in the communities he served. Retirement savings and investments also play a crucial role in Williams’ net worth. Prudent financial planning throughout his career has allowed him to accumulate a portfolio of investments, including stocks, bonds, and other assets, that provide long-term financial security. While the exact breakdown of his investment portfolio is not public, it is likely diversified to mitigate risk and ensure stable returns.
