Griff Aldrich, born June 28, 1974, is a renowned American college basketball coach and former lawyer, currently serving as the associate head coach for the Virginia Cavaliers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). At 51 years old, Aldrich has transitioned from a high-flying career in private equity to a celebrated coaching career, leading the Longwood Lancers to historic NCAA tournament appearances. His net worth is estimated at several million dollars, amassed through his legal career and coaching achievements. Married to Julie Aldrich, they share three adopted children. This article dives into his age, career, salary, married life, height, weight, and recent updates, offering fresh insights and a unique perspective.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Griff Aldrich’s Journey
Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Griff Aldrich grew up with a passion for basketball, which he nurtured at Norfolk Academy. His height of approximately 6 feet 2 inches and athletic build made him a standout player. At Hampden-Sydney College, he played under coach Tony Shaver, captaining the team in his senior year and contributing to two NCAA Division III tournament appearances. His weight during his playing days was around 190 pounds, reflecting his athletic prime. Aldrich’s academic excellence earned him membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa, showcasing his intellectual prowess. He later graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, setting the stage for a lucrative legal career.
“Basketball was always my first love, but I knew education would open doors,” Aldrich shared in a 2022 interview with The Washington Post.
Career Transition: From Private Equity to Basketball Coaching
Aldrich’s career is a testament to following one’s passion. Initially, he thrived in law and private equity, earning a salary of $800,000 annually as a chief financial officer. However, his heart remained in basketball. In 2016, he made a bold move, accepting a $32,000 role as director of recruiting at UMBC, working under his college friend Ryan Odom. This decision led to a historic upset in 2018 when UMBC became the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed (Virginia) in the NCAA tournament.
In 2018, Aldrich became the head coach of the Longwood Lancers, transforming the program. His leadership resulted in Longwood’s first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2022 and a second in 2024. By 2025, he joined the Virginia Cavaliers as associate head coach, bringing his expertise to one of college basketball’s elite programs. His salary as a head coach at Longwood was reported at $150,000, with potential performance bonuses, though his current ACC salary is likely higher.
“Coaching isn’t just about wins; it’s about shaping lives,” Aldrich told CNBC in 2022, emphasizing his faith-driven approach.
Net Worth: Financial Journey and Impact
Griff Aldrich’s net worth is estimated at $3-5 million in 2025, derived from his private equity days, coaching contracts, and potential endorsements. His decision to leave a high-paying job for coaching reflects a prioritization of purpose over profit. At Longwood, his contract included performance bonuses tied to conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances, boosting his earnings. While exact figures for his Virginia Cavaliers salary are undisclosed, associate head coaches in the ACC often earn between $200,000 and $500,000 annually, suggesting a significant increase.
Aldrich’s work with HIS Hoops, a youth basketball program in Houston’s Third Ward, highlights his commitment to community. By mentoring at-risk youth, he invested in their futures, a legacy that transcends financial metrics. His net worth reflects not just monetary wealth but a rich tapestry of impact.
Married Life and Family: A Strong Foundation
Married to Julie Aldrich, Griff’s personal life is rooted in faith and family. The couple, who met in Houston, adopted three children—Scott, Ford, and Laura Lee—and moved to Houston’s Third Ward to serve the community. Julie’s support was pivotal during Aldrich’s career shift, as they relocated from Houston to Baltimore and later to Farmville, Virginia. Their married life exemplifies partnership, with Julie often attending Longwood games and engaging with the basketball community.
“Julie’s belief in me made this journey possible,” Aldrich said in a 2023 Longwood University Athletics feature.
Details about Aldrich’s dating history are private, as he keeps personal matters discreet. His focus remains on family and coaching, with no public records of past relationships.
Physical Attributes: Height, Weight, and Presence
At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Griff Aldrich’s height gives him a commanding presence on the sidelines. His weight, estimated at 200 pounds in 2025, reflects a fit lifestyle despite his demanding coaching schedule. His athletic background informs his coaching style, emphasizing discipline and resilience.
Recent Updates: Achievements and Future Prospects
In 2025, Aldrich’s move to the Virginia Cavaliers marks a new chapter. His tenure at Longwood saw the Lancers achieve a 127-100 record over seven years, with two NCAA tournament appearances. He was named Big South Coach of the Year in 2022 and a finalist for the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award in 2023 and 2024. His contract extensions at Longwood, first through 2028 and later 2034, underscored his value.
A unique angle is Aldrich’s faith-driven leadership. His Christian values shape his coaching philosophy, fostering character development alongside athletic success. A 2024 case study by CollegeNetWorth.com highlighted how Aldrich’s mentorship led to a 15% increase in Longwood players’ academic performance, a metric rarely emphasized in coaching profiles.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Scott Griffith Aldrich |
| Age | 51 (Born June 28, 1974) |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $150,000 (Longwood, 2022); likely $200,000-$500,000 (Virginia, 2025) |
| Career | Lawyer, Private Equity CFO, UMBC Recruiting Director, Longwood Head Coach, Virginia Associate Head Coach |
| Married | Yes, to Julie Aldrich |
| Children | Three adopted (Scott, Ford, Laura Lee) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 200 pounds |
| Education | Hampden-Sydney College (1996), University of Virginia School of Law |
| Notable Achievements | Led Longwood to NCAA Tournaments (2022, 2024), Big South Coach of the Year (2022) |
| Current Role | Associate Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers (2025) |
| Previous Roles | UMBC Director of Recruiting (2016-2018), Longwood Head Coach (2018-2025) |
| Social Media | Limited personal presence; follow @LongwoodLancers for updates |
| Faith | Christian, influences coaching and community work |
Why Griff Aldrich’s Story Resonates
Aldrich’s journey from a $800,000 salary to a $32,000 coaching role is a powerful narrative of purpose over profit. His work with HIS Hoops and Longwood demonstrates a commitment to mentorship, making him a role model for aspiring coaches. Unlike many coaches, Aldrich’s legal background offers a unique perspective on strategy and leadership, which he applies to game planning and player development.
For those searching for Griff Aldrich’s bio, age, net worth, career, salary, married life, height, weight, or dating history, this article provides a comprehensive, updated overview. His story is a reminder that success is measured not just in dollars but in lives changed.
External Links:
