Ben Howland Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ben Howland is an American college basketball coach celebrated for transforming programs at multiple universities and leading teams to NCAA Final Four appearances.

A Coach’s Legacy: Overview of Ben Howland’s Journey, Wealth & Personal Life

Benjamin Clark Howland was born on May 28, 1957, in Lebanon, Oregon, a foundation that would shape a life devoted to basketball and leadership. Today, Ben Howland net worth is widely estimated at about $11 million, a testament to decades of work as a head coach at prestigious collegiate programs including UCLA, Pittsburgh, Northern Arizona, and Mississippi State. Howland’s birthday — May 28 — is often celebrated among basketball circles and fans alike for his steadfast commitment to the sport. While far better known for his coaching than his personal relationships, his Ben Howland personal life includes a long-term marriage and a family rooted in mutual support and achievement.

Quick Facts

From Pacific Northwest Beginnings to Coaching Prominence

Ben Howland’s story is not typical celebrity biography fare; it’s a narrative of steady ascent through the often unforgiving world of collegiate athletics. Growing up in Oregon and later California, he gravitated to the game early, ultimately playing college basketball at Santa Barbara City College and Weber State University, where he became known for his defensive prowess.

Howland’s transition from player to coach saw him take on graduate assistant and assistant coaching roles before earning his first head coaching position at Northern Arizona University in the mid-1990s. There, he turned around a struggling program and led the Lumberjacks into NCAA Tournament contention — an early sign of his ability to build teams. 

Defining moments in Ben Howland’s journey include:

• Turning around the Northern Arizona program and winning Big Sky championships. 

• Elevating the University of Pittsburgh into Big East contention and earning National Coach of the Year honors.

• Leading UCLA Bruins to three consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances — a rare achievement in college basketball.

The Core Pillars of Ben Howland’s Wealth

The Ben Howland net worth figure reflects the cumulative outcomes of a long career entrenched in collegiate athletics. Unlike celebrity entrepreneurs or entertainers, Howland’s wealth has been accrued through contracts, performance bonuses, and coaching salaries across elite basketball programs.

Key sources include:

• Head Coaching Contracts – Substantial salaries at UCLA and Mississippi State anchored his financial foundation.

• Bonuses & Performance Incentives – Rewards tied to postseason success and conference titles.

• Speaking Engagements & Appearances – As a respected figure in basketball circles, Howland has been featured at events and clinics.

Relationships & Family Life: The Personal Side of Ben Howland

While Ben Howland’s public persona is often tied to Xs and Os on a basketball court, his Ben Howland relationships screen tells of a quieter but steadfast personal life centered around his family.

He is married to Kim Howland (née Zahnow), whom he met during his college years — she was a cheerleader at Weber State, where he played. The couple has two children, Meredith and Adam, and a close-knit family that includes grandchildren.

Key insights into Ben Howland’s relationships and personal life:

• Long-standing marriage with Kim highlights stability amid the pressures of collegiate sport.

• Children pursue meaningful careers — from healthcare to law — suggesting values of service and discipline.

• Family support is noted by peers as a grounding force through career highs and lows.

Beyond the Court: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond building championship-caliber teams, Ben Howland’s lifestyle reflects a dedication to mentorship, family, and the sport itself.

Beyond career success, Ben Howland leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Engagement in speaking events and basketball clinics that extend his influence. 

• Travel across the U.S. tied to coaching and mentorship roles.

• Investment in personal hobbies that balance the intensity of a coaching career.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Experts who track public figures’ finances — while acknowledging limitations — estimate Howland’s net worth at around $11 million. This is anchored primarily in compensation from prolonged head-coaching tenures.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ben Howland is widely respected within college basketball for the discipline and defensive fundamentals his teams embodied. He is one of few coaches in NCAA Division I history to take multiple programs to the NCAA Tournament and to reach Final Four contention. While some critics noted his “defense-first” style as less flashy than others, it produced sustained competitiveness and respect among peers.

His legacy extends through players who — under his tutelage — went on to professional careers, and through coaching assistants who became head coaches themselves.

Conclusion: A Story of Endurance & Impact

Ben Howland’s life story — from a young player in Oregon to a basketball coach with a significant Ben Howland net worth — embodies resilience, strategic growth, and impact. His age/birthdate of May 28, 1957 and his birthday celebrations resonate in basketball calendars alongside memories of Final Four runs and rebuilding underdog teams into national contenders. His Ben Howland personal life with wife Kim and their children reflects a grounded foundation behind his public success, illustrating how relationships and discipline work in tandem to create enduring professional and personal narratives.