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by MattStark

Last Post 11 days, 4 hours Ago


Cal's Contract Exten$ion
Apr 28, 2008 | 2:07 PM
Category: Sports
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Featured On: MyFoxMemphis

This weekend the University of Memphis signed head basketball coach John Calipari to a big ol' contract extension- that should keep him on the sideline until the 2012-2013 season.

I say should, because everyone knows that Coaches contracts in general aren't worth the paper they're printed on. If Coach X decides he's leaving State U for for Other State U, no piece of paper will prevent that from happening. Prime example, Rich Rodriguez leaving a big contract at West Virginia for another even bigger contract at Michigan.

So why is this deal with Calipari worth mentioning? It's big because the University and their boosters have made it almost impossible for John to leave for monetary reasons, simply because no one will be able to pay him, like he's getting paid right now in Memphis.

The details may blow your mind. But here they are, $2.35 million a year with a longevity bonus of $5 Million if he stays until the contract expires. That oughtta help off set the rising Gas prices don't ya think?

But it's not just about the money. I mean it is, but there's more to it than that. By locking Cal up, and paying him what they're paying him, the University is also effectively buying him out from the constant rumors that Cal is on the next train out of town. Ya think that helps with recruiting? You better believe it does.

 

Is $2.35 million a year too much to pay a college basketball coach- um, Yeah, You better believe it is. I'll bet even Cal would agree with me. (maybe) But thats the going rate for the best in the business right now, and Cal is clearly at the top of his profession and worth that jack.

Is Cal worth it?

I'd argue Yes.

He's the ultimate spokesman for the University, he's raised the profile of the school, the city, and Conference USA. He's the best at dealing with the media, from us local guys, to the big time National folks. He can sell Memphis like no one else. He's also winning games like no one other than Adolph Rupp has ever done. He's won 104 games in the past 3 years. 104! He's Moby Dick in the small pond that is C-USA. He's turned the Tigers into a perennial powerhouse.

So is he worth the dough? You know what I think, how about you?

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Member Comments Total Comments: 6
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crony_capitalist read my blog
Apr 28, 2008 | 2:38 PM

Yeah he's worth it, if he wins some championships.

He's worth it if he continues to recruit at the high level he has.

However, if he recruits guys so good that they all leave after one year and "team" never gels, & U of M is a revolving door to the pros, that's a wash. Even though change is inevitable, underclassmen going pro is a different situation than upperclassmen losing eligibility & graduating.

But I guess there is nothing Cal can do about that though. The game has changed.

But if during this next 5 years Cal starts losing games, he is going to be excoriated and have hell to play. The university can afford to pay a loser much less than 2.35 million a year. The fans & the press are going to turn on him, and quote the "enormous sum" as justification for whatever insults & invective that follow. He should know that now he is expected over the next 3 years to win another 104 games.
sonnygll read my blog view my photos
Apr 28, 2008 | 2:58 PM

Yes indeed he is worth it, every penny of it. He is a GREAT coach
MattStark read my blog
Apr 28, 2008 | 3:03 PM

Wow Crony- the ink wasn't even dry...

Thanks for weighing in.

I was thinking about the dangers of recruiting the one and done players the other day. At some point, the next Tyreke Evans just may choose Villanova instead of Memphis- you can't win them all right?-- and then what?

However, most schools are in the same boat. The best players can't go right to the NBA anymore, but want to get there as quick as they can. I think what you're left with, is hoping you land a class like the Tigers 2009 class. A top talent (Shanwe Williams) and complimentary players that can ball- but need to stay a few years (CDR, Antonio, Dozier) to develop.

That said, I think Cal knows better than anyonme that Coaches are judged on "what have you done for me lately". He likes to say, if he schedules 33 games, Memphis fans expect him to win 34.

If you havent yet, check out our interview with Cal on the sports page- he sounds super fired up about 2008-2009.
crony_capitalist read my blog
Apr 28, 2008 | 4:40 PM

yeah man. I'm quick.

I haven't seen the interview yet, but I'm skeptical. I've read some things in other places and Cal was confident. Cal is too optimistic. I guess his optimism factors Anderson & Dozier into the equation. If so, then yeah I might be with him. If he gets the other players he is chasing, yeah I'm swilling the Kool-Aid too.

If everything holds, I think Memphis is final four bound again. It's just that Cals confidence (if that is what you call cockiness) makes me nervous. I bought that attitude, as far as the championship game. Then was lookin desserted after the team blew the 9pt lead. So Cal's confidence is suspect with me now. Ha.

I wonder what's he learned this year. The two biggest games of the year (the only two), he lost. I wonder how he now feels about run & gun & timeouts? I think appropriate timeouts would have beat both Tenn & Kansas, this year. And UCLA the year before. Spilled milk though. But

Still havin nightmares over the 3pt shot that killed us.
MattStark read my blog
Apr 28, 2008 | 5:12 PM

How's this grab you- Cal say's he plans on playing ZONE next season. No joke.

Can you believe it's only been 3 weeks since that Chalamers 3? It feels like it was 2 months ago at least....
crony_capitalist read my blog
Apr 28, 2008 | 5:49 PM

Damn.

It's a trick. It's Cal-zone, right?
some street-ballish hybrid thing right?

whuh happened?
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MattStark

I love this job so much I'd do it for free, but thankfully I don't have to- because my kids gotta eat.

Member Since: 10/18/2006


 

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