Getty ImagesThis 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.)
Why would Arkansas feel insecure as to their standing and feel the need to be aggressive in locking him up for the long term? It’s not like he’s just going to walk out on the team without telling anybody like a “gutless coward.”
This is great for coaches at insecure schools! Coaches are now getting setup for life by these schools and they don’t have to worry about performance/job security.
Hell who wouldn’t take 7 yrs for $25 mil then you can do whatever you want the rest of your life. The schools are the “only” possible loser in this scenario as they now have to keep a coach even if he turns into a big loser or else he gets an early life time guarantee in the form of a buyout……
Hey John,
Yeah it’s frustrating but how can you be surprised in the least? The ESPN.com bloggers, both for the NFL and CFB do this ALL the time, to include contradicting each other!
Keep doing your hard work, and it will be rewarded.
And maybe, guys like Schad will get fired for stealing other people’s material.
Oh, like he would ever honor a contract. Get real!