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Calpari Takes the Money and Runs
Friday, April 03, 2009
It wasn't all that long ago that the internet was abuzz over an exchange between a reporter and University of Connecticut men's basketball coach, Jim Calhoun.
If you missed the story, Ken Krayeske, a political activist and sometimes freelance journalist asked Calhoun if he had thought about returning some of his $1.6 million annual salary to the state.
Calhoun, one of the highest-paid employees in a state facing a $1 billion budget in the face of the recent economic downturn, responded with what many would call "amazing arrogance."
"Not a dime back!"
The taped exchange also had the coach telling the questioner he was stupid and later, telling him to shut up.
In the middle of the exchange, Calhoun indicated he earned even more than the $1.6 million number suggested. He closed the matter by essentially suggesting he should be above being questioned about his salary. Because, according to Calhoun, his basketball team generates $12 million a year in revenues for the school.
Despite his poor public performance and behavior that certainly was anything but an example for his players, few folks actually questioned the appropriateness of his salary. Today we can see why.
Calipari Numbers
From Connecticut, we turn to Kentucky, and the $31.65 million deal John Calipari recently inked to become head coach at the University of Kentucky. The exorbitant agreement made the newest Wildcat the highest-paid coach in college basketball.
Stunningly, the contract features a base salary of just $400,000 per year. Somehow, though, based on marketing, broadcasting and endorsement responsibilities, that salary balloons to $3.7 million annually.
In addition, if we can believe what we read on the internet, other perks include a membership at the country club of his choice, two cars plus mileage, eight tickets for each UK home football game, 20 prime seats to every UK home basketball game and bonus incentives for reaching the NCAA Sweet Sixteen ($100,000), the Final Four ($175,000) and the NCAA title ($375,000).
Successful Coach
Calipari has certainly been successful as a college coach. He had a great stint at UMass though last we recall some violations may have led to most of that success being expunged from the record.
He has restored Memphis to national prominence and last year took the Tigers to the Final Four. His current recruiting class is also deemed by many to be one of the best in the country.
There is little doubt that Calipari clearly has the four attributes necessary for success at the collegiate level: an eye for talent, the knack for recruiting and signing that talent, the ability to motivate and of course, sound basketball knowledge.
But as for setting an example, we can't help but think about the players who recently committed to Calipari and Memphis as well as those who will return for another season next year. Sadly, those players have no choices, they cannot walk away from their existing contract with the school as easily as Calipari walked away from his.
Unfortunately, there seems to be an startling and disappointing consistency across the college coaching world - an inability for some coaches to set an example.
Relevance
But of course, the world of sports is all about relevance. Suddenly, with the signing of Calipari, it is easy to see why someone like Calhoun would bristle when questioned about his $1.6 million salary.
Because in fact, Calhoun has it all over Calipari in the coaching game. Not only are the Huskies back in the Final Four again this year, Calhoun has actually coached his team to a national title.
Two if my memory is correct.
At less than half the salary.
1:09 PM
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