Texas A&M fans are reticent to accept their coaches getting extensions after only one good season— which makes sense given everything that happened with Jimbo Fisher earlier this decade. However, when the news came down today that Bucky McMillan had received an extension on his contract, sharp A&M fans were not disappointed in the slightest.
Rather, those who looked closely at how this raise and extension played out noticed that it was actually quite sensible, much like Mike Elko's extension was earlier last year. Far from a Fisher-type scenario, where the Aggies gave the former head coach a massive raise, several more years, and no buyout, this is reflective of how the Aggies ought to conduct themselves in the future.
Texas A&M's raise and extension for Bucky McMillan makes all the sense in the world
Billy Liucci of Texags was the first to report that this extension was in the works:
Sources: Texas A&M/Bucky McMillan have agreed in principle and are close to finalizing an extension and salary 'market adjustment.' Looks like @BuckyBasketball will be building a program in College Station long-term 👍🏼
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) March 27, 2026
The fine print, from what has been made publicly available, is that this is only a one-year extension for Bucky, as well as a raise that gets him up closer to the market rate as a head coach. The Aggies got Bucky to come on a bit of a bargain last offseason, given it was his first big-time job, and since his performance was stellar given the circumstances, he's being rewarded.
This is the way it should be. Get one good season, and you get a season tacked on your deal and a pay bump. Have a bad season, and nothing changes. It's simple math.
This shows that the Aggies are moving with far more common sense in the AD's chair than they had before. If Bucky keeps on stacking seasons like this, though, then the Aggies will no doubt have to do far more to keep him around— if Nate Oats ever moves on from Alabama, things could get hairy if they come after Bucky, who was raised a fan of the Tide.
For now, though, this is a great move by the Aggie athletic department. Those decrying it as foolish either don't understand the contract or have an agenda they're speaking from.