Regardless of your position on Notre Dame, this storied program still has a strong bite and will always have a national presence even coming off of sub-par performances this past decade. As Charlie Weis was dismissed from Notre Dame, Universities and ADs throughout the nation were scrambling to prevent their big time coaches from being lured by the aura of Notre Dame.
Most recently, #4 TCU just locked in coach Gary Patterson to a new contract through the 2016 season. On November 20th, Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson also signed an extension through the 2016 season. GT values Johnson and the Yellow Jackets don’t want him to leave. His contract extension will pay him over $2.6 million in 2015 and over $2.7 million in 2016.
Because of media scrutiny, Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz was forced to address the rumor saying, “I’m not a vagabond coach, and I like where I am at.” As you recall, Iowa entered into a contract extension with Ferentz that will keep him in Iowa City through 2015. Ferentz will be making a great salary and will never have to fear a pink slip if he goes 7-5 or 6-6 during his tenure. Basically, Ferentz is Iowa’s coach for life.
In the wake of shoddy journalism and mass virtual-world blitz, Bob Stoops was forced to respond to the headline–Stoops to ND. “That’s ridiculous,” exclaimed Stoops who vowed he would be a Sooner for as long as they will have him.
Keep in mind, programs are continuing to keep an eye on their head coach and this is most evident with Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly who is arguably the front-runner for the ND post. The question remains, what will Cincy do to keep its coach at bay?
Though most contracts have affordable buyout clauses, it is clear that ND’s power and prestige is causing some panic and concern for programs and their coaching staff. Thus, universities are agreeing to contract extension with generous financial packages and benefits. However, in the end, with ND’s money and prestige, the school will land a top-notch coach who will bring the Golden Domers back to the glory of yesterday.
In the words of the spirited student section— GO IRISH!
