I won 16 games in just 4 years, doesn't that count for something?
In his four years as head coach and taking the Colorado Buffaloes from bad to worse, the obvious next step for the AD is to give head coach Dan Hawkins a contract extension. At least that’s the mindset of coach Hawkins. Currently, the coach is under contract through January 2013 but still feels the need for an extension. During an AD and coaches meeting over the summer, Hawkins was asked what can be done to improve the football team’s success. In a selfish reply, Hawkins requested a contract extension for the sake of “continuity, stability.”
Reports suggest that others in the room were baffled by the coach’s reply considering he has lead the Buffaloes to a dismal 16-33 record–not the continuity the Buffs are looking for. After Wednesday’s practice, Hawkins did not deny the report and basically stated that a long term contract improves recruiting, stability, and strengthens the heart of the program.
Next time this topic arises, Hawkins should think twice before he speaks. He is lucky to still be the coach after going a paltry 3-9 last season and only winning 2 conference games. I’m not sure what Chancellor Phil DiStefano and President Bruce Benson were thinking when they decided to keep him for another season despite pleas from an angry fan base calling for the coach’s head.
Hawkins came to Folsom Field after a successful campaign at Boise State going 53-11. All the hype he brought to Boulder was quickly tempered when the program had a complete meltdown under his control going 2-10 in his debut season. Rather than worrying about his contract extension, Hawkins should be more concerned about winning. After all, no matter what happens this season, he is guaranteed to make over $1.5 million dollars. At this rate, it’s costing Colorado about $500,000 a win. A lot of dough for a financially strapped program that can’t even afford to leave the Big 12 until 2012.
By the way, what ever happened to Hawkins’ pledge of “ten wins, no excuses”?
