Bill Koch on Kelly

Quote:Posted by BKoch at 11/23/2008 2:03 PM EST on Cincinnati.com

As rumors continue to swirl about Brian Kelly and Tennesse, Kelly has instructed his lawyers to “keep this stuff off my desk. I don’t want to deal with it. I’m focused on Cincinnati. They call me every day. I won’t return their calls.” Asked if he would entertain offers from other schools when the season is over, Kelly said, “I don’t know that I would. I don’t even want to get into the speculation that I’ve had to deal with last year and this year. I’m not even dealing with it, so keep it off my desk. We’ll deal with any of this stuff after the season, if in fact I decide that’s what I want to do and right now that’s not what I want to do.” A UC victory over Syracuse this week would not only clinch the Big East Conference championship for the Bearcats and propel them into their first BCS bowl game, it would mean a sizable increase in Kelly’s financial compensation from UC. Based on the incentives in the contract extension that Kelly signed after last season, he would likely make an additional $294,000 if the Bearcats beat the Orange. That total includes $100,000 for a BCS bowl appearance and $50,000 for winning the Big East title. Kelly gets another $50,000 if the Bearcats, who are currently ranked 16th this week in the Associated Press poll, finish in the Top 25, which they are likely to do. Kelly will receive $14,000 if the Bearcats (9-2) win 10 games, $30,000 for their three wins over Top 25 opponents, and $50,000 if UC averages between 27,501 and 32,000. They currently average 31,477. And he’ll receive another $50,000 if he is named Big East coach of the year, an honor he should be in line for given what UC has done in the face of so many injuries at the quarterback position. That would increase his incentives to $344,000 on top of the $1.2 million compensation that he’s guaranteed, which would bring his compensation for the year to $1,544,000

Brian Kelly wants us to be a big time program. Part of that is not expecting the coach to leave after 2 successful seasons... He is the best thing to ever happen to Cincy football by far.

$1.5M ain't bad coin - even for a very successful BCS football coach.

The state of Tennessee and UT are in bad shape money wise. From what I am gathering dont be surprised if they offer someone in the 2 -2.5m range and not these silly numbers we have been hearing. Either way it sounds like BK isnt willing to even listen until Dec. 6th-8th at the earliest. UT is in despreate need of a coach b/c the contact period starts soon for recruits and they are losing them left and right.

Anyway, I am going to enjoy this and know that thanks to coach D and BK UC is in way better shape than it was 5 years ago and I am not really worried about the direction of the program. Kids now know they can go to UC, win, and play in a BCS game.

The Hawaii game might be the key factor in this whole mess.

I've been wrong before but I think Kelly enjoys building a program of his own. So you may ask, "Why doesn't he just say I'm not going anywhere?" I think he's leaving open the possibility of leaving so people are threatened that if they don't make the facility improvements he will take off.

That would crack me up if TENN and other schools flew all the way out to Hawai'i to talk to Kelly.

I don't think anyone posted the story about Tennessee changing their usher policy. They used to give their ushers a voucher for a hot dog and soda but canceled the policy to save bucks. The trees in Tennessee don't grow money either, even the ones in the athletic department.

Quote:Economy dogs UT ushers
Jim Matheny Updated: 11/18/2008 12:08:37 AM

Tough economic times trickled down the Vols' food chain as UT athletics informed ushers at Thompson-Boling arena they will no longer receive a game voucher for a free hot dog and drink.

"It was a little disappointing we're not going to get our free hot dog and coke, but I understand," said usher Don Jones.

Jones and his wife have ushered games at Thompson-Boling arena for more than 13 years. He said coworkers have had mixed reactions to the elimination of the $7 snack vouchers for ushers.

"They just think it is kind of funny that getting rid of a hot dog and a coke would save some enormous amount of money," said Jones. "But I'm sure whoever made the decision crunched the numbers and has it figured out."

Tiffany Carpenter, director of public relations for UT Athletics, said ditching the dogs and drinks will save the athletic department $80,000 annually.

"When we started giving away food to ushers, we were running concessions in-house and only had to endure the cost of food," said Carpenter. She added, "But we have outsourced our concessions the last two years, so now it actually costs us the same amount that it would cost a fan that shows up at the game."

Carpenter said another reason food for ushers became budget baggage was unexpected change in the airlines' baggage fees when athletic teams travel.

"We're getting $75 charges per bag that our athletes are paying for and that was racking up considerable charges that we had not planned for in our budget," said Carpenter.

UT officials said they will also save money by reducing the number of ushers and security guards for games that clearly expect lower attendance. The previous policy was to staff every game at Thompson-Boling to serve a capacity crowd.

Ushers like Jones said they are willing to take one for the team if it helps their beloved Vols.

"I can buy my own hot dog and drink," said Jones. "I love my job and the ability to basically get season tickets to watch the Lady Vols and the men's team play."

Tough times at UT