Spring Break
Urban Meyer benefits from Billy Donovan's indecision
Jake Williams
Issue date: 6/13/07 Section: Sports
In the sports world, big contracts often follow championships and on June 7, the University of Florida proved that college sports are no exception. With the university's football and basketball teams both winning this year's national championships, each sport's respective head coach was given a six-year contract extension and significant pay raise.
Urban Meyer, the football half of the nation's new highest-paid coaching duo and a former University of Utah head coach, should thank Gator basketball coach Billy Donovan for the extra cash. It was likely Donovan's recent antics involving the Orlando Magic that caused or expedited both new contracts.
Donovan had recently announced he was leaving the university to make the leap into coaching NBA ball for roughly $5 million per year. However, one day after signing with the Magic Donovan changed his mind, opting instead to return to Florida after all.
Meyer's new contract is reportedly worth $3.25 million for each of six seasons, while Donovan's will cost UF $3.5 million per for the same period. Both contracts include an option for a seventh year of service, according to ESPN.com.
Meyer spent two seasons in the Utah head coaching job, culminating in his leading the undefeated Utes to a BCS bowl game in January 2005 before leaving for Florida. It took him the same time period, just two short years, to lead the Gators to their national championship.
Despite his success, no contract negotiations between Meyer and the university received widespread national attention until after the media circus surrounding Donovan had run its course. It's easy to assume, possibly correctly so, that the threat of a similar future situation involving Meyer and the NFL made this new contract easier for Florida to swallow.
One thing is certain: The University of Utah isn't getting Meyer back. Utahns should have no problem rooting against the coach who conceivably could have led the Utes to a national crown of their own, unless of course you prefer Cougars.
Urban Meyer, the football half of the nation's new highest-paid coaching duo and a former University of Utah head coach, should thank Gator basketball coach Billy Donovan for the extra cash. It was likely Donovan's recent antics involving the Orlando Magic that caused or expedited both new contracts.
Donovan had recently announced he was leaving the university to make the leap into coaching NBA ball for roughly $5 million per year. However, one day after signing with the Magic Donovan changed his mind, opting instead to return to Florida after all.
Meyer's new contract is reportedly worth $3.25 million for each of six seasons, while Donovan's will cost UF $3.5 million per for the same period. Both contracts include an option for a seventh year of service, according to ESPN.com.
Meyer spent two seasons in the Utah head coaching job, culminating in his leading the undefeated Utes to a BCS bowl game in January 2005 before leaving for Florida. It took him the same time period, just two short years, to lead the Gators to their national championship.
Despite his success, no contract negotiations between Meyer and the university received widespread national attention until after the media circus surrounding Donovan had run its course. It's easy to assume, possibly correctly so, that the threat of a similar future situation involving Meyer and the NFL made this new contract easier for Florida to swallow.
One thing is certain: The University of Utah isn't getting Meyer back. Utahns should have no problem rooting against the coach who conceivably could have led the Utes to a national crown of their own, unless of course you prefer Cougars.
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Melinda1985
Melinda
posted 6/18/07 @ 9:00 PM MST
So it sounds like you bleed red...hahaha
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