Lute to step down?

[Lefty]

There is a rumor that Chris Lowery could be the coach. I know it's an internet rumor but I can't see this being close to true.

 

[Dback Jon]

Uh, no thats not what I said...

A base salary of 1.5 mil from the UA plus $1 mil in incentives/camps/appearances/nike deal = $2.5 mil

Nobody is going to pay Cal $3.5 mil except a school like Memphis and Cal sure isnt going to ask UA for $3.5 mil.

And Cal makes 3.35 PLUS whatever he is getting from Nike...so you are talking at LEAST a million dollar pay cut to go to Tucson.


So you really think he would take a MILLION DOLLAR pay cut?

 

[Mr. Boldin]

And Cal makes 3.35 PLUS whatever he is getting from Nike...so you are talking at LEAST a million dollar pay cut to go to Tucson.


So you really think he would take a MILLION DOLLAR pay cut?

Like it or not, Cal isnt getting $3.35 mil plus Nike incentives, appearances, ect from any other school. In fact Cal makes $3.35 with all bonuses except graduation rates and tournament success.

Either way if you think Cal wont come to Tucson unless we pay $3-3.5 mil you are kidding yourself. Cal knows he can earn that much beacuse Memphis cant afford to lose him. Why do you think he gets the extra 2.5 mil if he stays for the 09-10 season? Cal is going to want a lot of money, but I can gurantee you he isnt going to be asking for $3.5 mil to coach at Arizona.

If Arizona offers a base of $1.5 mil Cal, he will end up at least at $2.5 mil total. Keep in mind that Memphis is an Adidas school. Nike is going to shell out some cash for Calipari if he is hired at UA (Nike school).

Either way, Arizona cant afford to be cheap about this hire.

 

[overseascardfan]

Very true, the "legend" issue is only generated by the fan base and their unwillingness to move on, give the new coach a fair shot, etc.. If the UofA posters on this site are any indication, that is not going to be a factor.

In other news, from a Memphis blog:

Quote:
On Arizona and Rumors

It’s only October, but silly season in college basketball coaching has already arrived. And for Memphis fans, the script is incredibly familiar. A high-profile job opens up. Immediately, John Calipari’s name is thrown into the mix because, well, his name is always thrown into the mix. Posters on Internet message boards who previously trashed Calipari will suddenly claim that he’s their program’s savior. A columnist in said college’s area will inevitably write the case against hiring Calipari - regardless of whether he’s really a candidate - drudging up Marcus Camby and the laundry list of the off-court problems he’s had at Memphis.

In the case of Arizona, which will be the big job open next April now that Lute Olson has announced his retirement this week, let me go ahead and save everybody the trouble.

Calipari isn’t going to Arizona.

Of course, some of this stuff has already started, though not by national writers who understand the dynamics of the situation. But Calipari’s name has been thrown out in Arizona newspapers, and apparently even a Phoenix radio host said that he’d heard Calipari would be willing to take a pay cut to go to Arizona (Whoever is spreading that rumor doesn’t know Calipari very well.) When I mentioned to Calipari that his name had popped up in the Tucson papers, he laughed, because it’s entirely predictable. But his response was clear and unequivocal. He’s not interested.

As someone who spends a lot of time around Calipari and the program, there are a couple things are worth keeping in mind when it comes to Calipari and any other job, especially this one.

1) With his newest contract, Calipari makes $3.35 million a year guaranteed. Let me repeat. Calipari makes $3.35 million per year guaranteed. And that doesn’t even include a dime from the new shoe contract Memphis is about to sign with Nike. Now, I can’t get anyone in the athletic department to go on the record right now about what the financial ramifications of this deal will be. But from what I’ve gathered, it will add another significant chunk of money to Calipari’s annual package. How significant? I’m not sure yet, but the total numbers could be Nick Saban-esque. Olson’s total package at Arizona, according to published reports, was somewhere between $1.3-1.5 million, which is pretty much in line with the pay scale in the Pac 10.

2) Calipari’s mindset, at this point, seems to be geared more toward riding out the momentum at Memphis rather than starting over somewhere else. That doesn’t mean he’s going to coach at Memphis forever, but if the Tigers get a couple of the recruits they’re after along with the players who are already in the fold for next year, Calipari sees them right back in the championship mix. Like Indiana, Arizona is probably a 4-year rebuilding job at minimum.

Bottom line, though, is that Memphis fans have no need to wring their hands over Internet speculation, mostly fueled by fans (and in some cases coaches) from teams that are recruiting against the Tigers. As many others have written on a national basis, fans of Gonzaga and Pitt should have much more reason to think about Arizona at this point than Memphis fans.

This blog is ridiculous, first, as some have already mentioned Cal is not going to tip his hand too soon, ramifications of a deal falling through would be too great. Second, he not wanting to leave a program he built is bull, see Roy Williams who bolted Kansas for UNC after establishing that program. Third, U of A is not a four year fix, say we get back Moser only, we've got 3 or 4 schollies for the spring signing period and a big name coach who can recruit could bring in a ton of talent in '10.

I am sure Artie & Click would be willing to pay the extra million to get Cal his 3.5 million maybe a little more

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Roy didn't establish KU. That was done deaces ago and he only left for UNC which happens to be his alma mater and one of the few programs that could challenge Kansas as far as brand goes so that's a bad example. If we had a Roy Williams out there that would be one thing and I'm sure that person would be jumping at the Arizona opportunity (if the opportunity hadn't presented itself earlier which would've been likely) but the reality is we'll have to get someone with no ties to Arizona.

And Mr. Boldin did point out somehting important in that Nike would almost assuredly pony up more money than what Lute got from them to lure Cal away from Memphis and Adidas. Arizona Basketball is one of Nike's key brands in that niche, they want Arizona to be successful as it's the only "basketball school" on the West Coast with a championship ceiling that reps it's line.

 

[DWKB]

Like it or not, Cal isnt getting $3.35 mil plus Nike incentives, appearances, ect from any other school. In fact Cal makes $3.35 with all bonuses except graduation rates and tournament success.

Either way if you think Cal wont come to Tucson unless we pay $3-3.5 mil you are kidding yourself. Cal knows he can earn that much beacuse Memphis cant afford to lose him. Why do you think he gets the extra 2.5 mil if he stays for the 09-10 season? Cal is going to want a lot of money, but I can gurantee you he isnt going to be asking for $3.5 mil to coach at Arizona.

If Arizona offers a base of $1.5 mil Cal, he will end up at least at $2.5 mil total. Keep in mind that Memphis is an Adidas school. Nike is going to shell out some cash for Calipari if he is hired at UA (Nike school).

Either way, Arizona cant afford to be cheap about this hire.

I think in this current climate of coaches salaries it takes $3M to get Cal to consider. I don't know how hard that extra $500k would be to get, but I think with Self, Cal's current contract, and Donovan that $3M is where you have to be.

 

[Lefty]

Looks like there is still a possibility that Moser considers the UofA this spring. It all depends on who they hire. I hope Hill does the same thing.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/264494

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I think in this current climate of coaches salaries it takes $3M to get Cal to consider. I don't know how hard that extra $500k would be to get, but I think with Self, Cal's current contract, and Donovan that $3M is where you have to be.

That is quite possible, but again, UA isnt going to pay him $3 mil. Im guessing UA's base contract including support from outside sources reaches $2 mil at the max. Now you throw in a Nike deal and other resrouces for Cal to earn more money outside of the UA (he can earn a lot as UA's coach outside the AD) and its plausible Cal gets $3 mil.

I think what most here are saying is, there is no way UA throws $3 mil at Cal. Like I said, I could see 1.5-2, but Cal asking for $3 mil just from the UA isnt going to happen.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

And Cal makes 3.35 PLUS whatever he is getting from Nike...so you are talking at LEAST a million dollar pay cut to go to Tucson.

Cal's $3.35 is everythng including salary, camps, Adidas, etc. I think AZ needs to get to $3 for him to consider which probably means getting the UA-backed base salary to $2 while the extra stuff covers the rest. It probably could get done, but it's certainly not Livengood's MO as he likes doing things for the smaller sports with the excess hoops cash instead of investing it back into the program.

 

[DWKB]

Cal's $3.35 is everythng including salary, camps, Adidas, etc. I think AZ needs to get to $3 for him to consider which probably means getting the UA-backed base salary to $2 while the extra stuff covers the rest. It probably could get done, but it's certainly not Livengood's MO as he likes doing things for the smaller sports with the excess hoops cash instead of investing it back into the program.

I don't think this is totally right. Cal makes $2.35M base salary and gets an extra $1M in bonus pay every year until the 2012-13 season totaling $5M. So his salary is $3.35M not including bonuses for things like player graduation rates and NCAA Tournament success per the Commercial Appeal. The blog I quote says Memphis is about to sign with Nike. Cal's deal does not include any $$ from that deal. The man is paid serious bank at Memphis.

 

[Dback Jon]

I don't think this is totally right. Cal makes $2.35M base salary and gets an extra $1M in bonus pay every year until the 2012-13 season totaling $5M. So his salary is $3.35M not including bonuses for things like player graduation rates and NCAA Tournament success per the Commercial Appeal. The blog I quote says Memphis is about to sign with Nike. Cal's deal does not include any $$ from that deal. The man is paid serious bank at Memphis.

And that is what I am basing my numbers on.

I really think in the long run, U of A would be better off with someone other than Calipari.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I don't think this is totally right. Cal makes $2.35M base salary and gets an extra $1M in bonus pay every year until the 2012-13 season totaling $5M. So his salary is $3.35M not including bonuses for things like player graduation rates and NCAA Tournament success per the Commercial Appeal. The blog I quote says Memphis is about to sign with Nike. Cal's deal does not include any $$ from that deal. The man is paid serious bank at Memphis.

That's exactly what I said.

Cal's total guaranteed compensation is $3.35M, I said I think Arizona could get to $3M guaranteed which is probably the very minimum Cal would consider.

There's no denying Cal would be the best choice, but as I've stated several times I don't think it's gong to happen financially as it's not Livengood's MO. Arizona could just as easily give Few or Dixon a nice raise and not strain the AD (while not winning like Calipari does) yet still have a terrific program. I think when all is said and done that's what direction they'll go in.

 

[Russ Smith]

Looks like there is still a possibility that Moser considers the UofA this spring. It all depends on who they hire. I hope Hill does the same thing.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/264494

Moser did visit with his mom.

There's also a rumor that one of UCLA's current 09 commits wants to visit unofficially to check out his situation after hearing UCLA might be interested in Moser. Based on what I read I surmise that someone is Brendan Lane.

So if UCLA were to somehow get Moser, Lane might open up again, in fact I suppose it's possible he might anyways if he thinks UCLA is recruiting over him by pursuing Moser.

Pretty sure UA was on his short list before.

Edit I worded that really poorly, Lane wants to visit UCLA, not UA, at least I'm guessing it's Lane based on the rumor.

Edit again, I'm told there's nothing to the rumor and Lane nor any other commit is unhappy with UCLA pursuing Moser.

 

[Dback Jon]

There's no denying Cal would be the best choice, but as I've stated several times I don't think it's gong to happen financially as it's not Livengood's MO. Arizona could just as easily give Few or Dixon a nice raise and not strain the AD (while not winning like Calipari does) yet still have a terrific program. I think when all is said and done that's what direction they'll go in.

Curious as to why you think Calipari could win more than Few or Dixon at Arizona?

 

[DWKB]

That's exactly what I said.

Cal's total guaranteed compensation is $3.35M, I said I think Arizona could get to $3M guaranteed which is probably the very minimum Cal would consider.

There's no denying Cal would be the best choice, but as I've stated several times I don't think it's gong to happen financially as it's not Livengood's MO. Arizona could just as easily give Few or Dixon a nice raise and not strain the AD (while not winning like Calipari does) yet still have a terrific program. I think when all is said and done that's what direction they'll go in.

Sorry for the confusion, glad we agree

 

[DWKB]

Curious as to why you think Calipari could win more than Few or Dixon at Arizona?

One word: recruiting.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Curious as to why you think Calipari could win more than Few or Dixon at Arizona?

Because he wins more than Few and Dixon right now? Because he can recruit nationally? Because NBA caliber players flock to his programs? Because at Arizona he'd run the only major West Coast hoops program that doesn't take the air out of the ball every time down court? Two Final Fours and three Elite 8's at two mid-major schools speaks for itself. An Arizona program run by Calipari would be a monster, he's already built one in Conference USA at a school with a much lower upside.

You may have somewhat of a valid argument with Few to win as much as Calipari considering the limitations he has at Gonzaga of his program. But unlike Cal he's an unknown quantity at the major college level and Calipari outperforms Dixon despite his limitations and it's not even close.

Now I'm very confident Few and Dixon would win at Arizona and maintain a terrific program for a long time, I just think Calipari would even outperform Lute in Tucson if he's down there for 25 years. His resume and accomplishments at the age of 49 is pretty ridiculous.

 

[Dback Jon]

Because he wins more than Few and Dixon right now? Because he can recruit nationally? Because NBA caliber players flock to his programs? Because at Arizona he'd run the only major West Coast hoops program that doesn't take the air out of the ball every time down court? Two Final Fours and three Elite 8's at two mid-major schools speaks for itself. An Arizona program run by Calipari would be a monster, he's already built one in Conference USA at a school with a much lower upside.

You may have somewhat of a valid argument with Few to win as much as Calipari considering the limitations he has at Gonzaga of his program. But unlike Cal he's an unknown quantity at the major college level and Calipari outperforms Dixon despite his limitations and it's not even close.

Now I'm very confident Few and Dixon would win at Arizona and maintain a terrific program for a long time, I just think Calipari would even outperform Lute in Tucson if he's down there for 25 years. His resume and accomplishments at the age of 49 is pretty ridiculous.

Good points. But could he recruit the same athletes at Arizona? No smack, it is just that Arizona has higher standards than UMass did, and Memphis does.

 

[Russ Smith]

Good points. But could he recruit the same athletes at Arizona? No smack, it is just that Arizona has higher standards than UMass did, and Memphis does.

Memphis is actually changing that because of the NCAA rules changes on prepschools. this is the last class he has that relied on them. He has 3 kids and only 1 has qualified to date, Tyreke Evans, and even he is iffy his prepschool closed it's basketball program over academic fraud allegations, a kid the year before Evans has been stuck ineligible at Seton Hall for over a year now and is suing the NCAA to let him play. They won't accept his transcript, from the same school Evans graduated from. Evans was cleared.

Simpkins and Garcia are still trying to get cleared and I hear Simpkins will redshirt now because his academics are so iffy even if admitted, they will make him spend a year concentrating on school.

starting next year they're far less focussed on prepschools although they do have a Juco in the 09 class.

Apparently the Memphis President and AD put their foot down a couple of years ago and demanded better academics from the basketball program.

 

[Lefty]

Press conference at 12:30PM with Lute's doctor & family. If what I was told a few days ago is true, then this will be sad news.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/264532.php

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Doctors say Lute suffered a stroke and was advised to step down by the doctor.

I just hope all those sniveling UA fans jumping all over Lute feel terrible for this. Prayers go out to him and him family, and hoefully he makes a full recovery.

 

[Renz]

I'm really glad he retired, repercussions to the program be damned. Hopefully, he remains healthy enough to enjoy his "golden years". I'd hate for Lute to end up like Bear Bryant.

 

[Dback Jon]

That is very sad to hear. Best wishes to him.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Good points. But could he recruit the same athletes at Arizona? No smack, it is just that Arizona has higher standards than UMass did, and Memphis does.

And that's the big question mark with Calipari. Has he targeted these talented yet sketchy kids with baggage over the years because he is an unremorseful scumbag or because Memphis/UMass are difficult places to recruit and taking chances is the only way you can achieve championship-caliber basketball?

These last couple years have proven Arizona recruits itself as long as someone reasonably competent is in charge. I'd think Calipari wouldn't have to go after some questionable kids if he didn't think it was necessary but who knows. March and April 2009 should be interesting.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

There's a lot of media people who Lute and his family an apology.

EDIT - I do not of course really expect one. Gambo in his usual idiotic ramblings was ripping Lute incessantly last week for being selfish and screwing over the program as was Pat Forde a national writer for ESPN. All anyone had to do was make a couple calls in Tucson to find out the real issue.

And speaking of Gambo, did anyone hear him repeatedly continue to use Denny Crum's departure at Louisville as evidence as to why Arizona is going to struggle post-Lute? That somebody actually pays him to talk about sports is absolutely mindboggling.