Butch Jones was on Purdue’s campus over the weekend interviewing for the job left open after the university fired Danny Hope late last month. Now, it appears that Colorado, the other school reportedly interested in Jones’ services, is willing to take another step to try to lure the coach from Cincinnati.
Woody Paige of the Denver Post reports that Buffs athletic director Mike Bohn and CU president Bruce Benson are prepared to offer Jones a five-year contract worth more than $13.5 million. For what it’s worth, Jones is scheduled to make $1.6 million at UC in 2013, with a gradual salary increase to $2.05 million in 2017. The university is reportedly trying to renegotiate Jones’ contract, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
But money may not be the only factor involved if Jones decides to take the reported offer. Paige reports that CU will commit to upgrading both the football stadium and its athletic facilities. That’s an area lacking at both Cincinnati and Colorado.
Cincinnati’s had a hard time keeping great hires in recent years because of the lure of bigger jobs. On the surface, Colorado isn’t a bigger, better job than Cincinnati. But if the Buffs are serious about making strides with their football program, they may get a serious look from Jones.
