December 20, 2005

"Univ of MD Men's B-ball Coach Gary Williams got a new contract that could keep him at his alma mater for the next eight years.": Is there any rhyme or reason as to why coaches (see also: Weis) obtain mid-season, mid-contract extensions? Will this bloster the confidence of the Terrapins or could this be a distraction to a team in, arguably, the best NCAA Basketball conference?

posted by redsnare to basketball at 01:08 PM - 7 comments

I dont know why he got the contract now as opposed to in the off-season- but its not confidence or distraction. Everyone around Maryland and the ACC knows Gary Willaims is the coach as long as he wants to be. One sub-par season doesnt change anything. Yes, biased Maryland grad here, but the man's record is simply amazing. Go back and check how many McDonald's All-Americans were on the 2002 title team (hint: none) Go back and check how many other major schools recruited Juan Dixon (hint: none) he has been David throughout his career and he has killed Goliath again and again.

posted by drjimmy11 at 01:12 PM on December 20, 2005

"Everyone around Maryland and the ACC knows Gary Willaims is the coach as long as he wants to be." Which is why I'm so perplexed by this. I guess it's the economic benefits he could reap by meeting the academic and competitive goals.

Yeah, a good friend of mine played ball with Juan Dixon at Calvert Hall. I remember my buddy telling me it was essentially Maryland or bust for Juan.

posted by redsnare at 03:30 PM on December 20, 2005

I personally think mid-season contracts are for recruits. Let's them know that if they sign a letter of intent, the coach they signed up with will be there for them. That being said, GO TERPS!

posted by scully at 03:39 PM on December 20, 2005

Perhaps its just has something to do with budgets and the end of the year? Keep in mind public school coaches are state government employees and subject to the same bureacracy as everyone else... ps my brother got kicked out of Calvert Hall halfway through his senior year- random but true story

posted by drjimmy11 at 03:51 PM on December 20, 2005

I personally think mid-season contracts are for recruits. Let's them know that if they sign a letter of intent, the coach they signed up with will be there for them. That's exactly the reason. Recruits want to know that the coach will be around for their Junior/Senior year - although that can never be guaranteed.

posted by bigrobbieb at 05:30 PM on December 20, 2005

the reason is can be summed up in three words - recruting, recruting, recruting. it's all about the benjamins that a good team can generate for the university.

posted by drizzletip at 10:54 AM on December 21, 2005

I am glad that Williams' bonuses are tied to academic results too. They haven't been up to snuff in that area lately.

posted by scully at 12:52 PM on December 21, 2005

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