Rutgers University is taking a significant step in college basketball administration by introducing a general manager role for its men’s basketball program.
While the position is designed to manage recruiting, NIL opportunities, and overall roster operations, the salary stands in stark contrast to some of the highest-known GM contracts in the sport, most notably that of North Carolina’s Jim Tanner.
How Much Is Rutgers’ GM Salary Offer?
According to a posting on the university’s website, the Rutgers GM role comes with an annual salary range of $150,000 to $300,000, with the final number determined by the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and available departmental funding. The initial contract will run through June 30, 2030, with a scheduled review July 1, 2028, to revisit terms and performance considerations.
Summer is where we break ourselves down — and build each other up. Stronger every day, side by side. ☀️#TheKnighthood 🛡️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ipK73k54QV
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) August 22, 2025
While this package is designed to attract qualified candidates, it is far more modest than what powerhouse programs are paying for similar roles. For Rutgers, though, the creation of this position marks a strategic step toward modernizing its basketball operations and giving the coaching staff additional support in an era when recruiting and roster management are increasingly complex.
Comparing Rutgers’ GM Salary Offer With UNC GM Jim Tanner’s Salary
For comparison, Jim Tanner, the GM of the University of North Carolina men’s basketball program, has one of the highest-known salaries in college basketball. Tanner’s contract includes a base annual salary of $850,000, with automatic raises tied to performance.
If UNC reaches the NCAA Tournament or secures commitments from four- or five-star recruits, Tanner’s salary increases, with his 2025-26 base set to reach $950,000.
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— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) August 27, 2025
Tanner’s deal also includes postseason bonuses:
Two months’ salary for NCAA Tournament participation
Two months’ salary for reaching the Sweet 16
Two months’ salary for advancing to the Final Four
Two months’ salary for winning the NCAA Championship
These incentives are cumulative, meaning exceptional team performance can add several months of pay in bonuses, making Tanner’s overall package among the most lucrative for a college basketball GM.
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The gap between Rutgers’ GM offer and Tanner’s UNC salary highlights the financial disparity between programs with national prestige and those still building their brand. Rutgers’ $150,000 to $300,000 range may not rival powerhouse programs, but it represents a key investment in leadership, recruiting strategy, and roster management.
For the Scarlet Knights, the introduction of a GM position, even at a more modest salary, signals a commitment to elevating the program’s infrastructure. With the increasing complexity of NIL, recruiting, and team logistics, having a dedicated GM could provide long-term competitive advantages and help Rutgers close the gap with elite programs like UNC.