This is exactly why head coaches at the collegiate level, regardless of how much they protest publicly, do not mind having their names connected to coaching vacancies.
In the past couple of weeks, Bobby Petrino‘s name has been attached to openings in Miami and, now, Florida. When it comes to the coach generally and his agent specifically, it doesn’t matter whether the speculation is true, false or indifferent; the only thing that matters is that the name is out there for the current employer to see.
The result of this particular round of rumor mill churning? Reports are now filtering in that the Arkansas head coach is in line for the requisite contract extension. And the even more requisite bump in pay.
According to a local television report by way of ArkansasSports360.com, Petrino has signed a new seven-year deal to continue on as the Razorbacks’ head coach. There’s no word on what type of raise would be included in the new deal.
Let’s get this out of the way straight away: we find it highly doubtful that a new deal has been signed, sealed and delivered; however, based on the speculation in coaching circles that preceded this report, we find it very likely that at least the framework of a new deal is in place for Petrino, and will be announced at some point between now and the Razorbacks’ January bowl game.
Regardless of the hows and the whys and whens, though, one thing is almost certain. Petrino will be a much happier and richer head coach in the very near future.
Your bank account can thank the rumor mill at its earliest convenience, Coach Petrino.
(Memo to ESPN.com’s Joe Schad: at least freaking mention the source that originally reported what you were reporting as breaking news. This s— is getting embarrassing for you people. It really is. Up there in your ivory towers, though, I’m sure it hardly has any impact at all.)
