Three different media entities — the Associated Press, Mount Pleasant Morning Sun and Cincinnati Enquirer — are reporting that Butch Jones has agreed to a contract to become the next head coach at Cincinnati.
The AP reports that the length of the deal is five years for the former Central Michigan coach. It’s unknown what the contract, which has yet to be signed, will pay Jones, although the Morning Sun reports that it will be “over $1 million”.
(Me: gee, ya think?)
An official announcement of Jones’ hiring is expected to come at some point this afternoon.
It’s unclear whether Jones will coach the Chippewas in the GMAC Bowl Jan. 6, although the financial aspects of his CMU contract would seem to indicate he will. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Jones has a $700,000 buyout in his contract if he leaves for another job before a bowl game. If he waits until after the bowl game, the buyout drops to a more palatable $450,000.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn is the Bearcats’ interim coach and is expected to coach UC in the Sugar Bowl against Florida Jan. 1.
UPDATE 3:11 ET: Cincinnati has just announced via a press release that UC officials will be holding a press conference at 5 p.m. ET this evening. While the statement does not give the specific reason for the press conference, it’s safe to assume that Jones will be introduced as the Bearcats’ new head coach at that time.
Central Michigan . . . the cradle of coaches!
Awesome … 3-5 years and he’ll be the new Notre Dame coach. At this point I’m not sure if God himself could get Notre dame to the BCS Championship Game.
With or without Jones, the CMU players will win their bowl game. Too much credit and cash is given to the coaches and not enough to the players. Go CMU!!!
Fire up Chips!!!
nothing wrong with getting a better job i wish him well