Interesting Article On SEC-West Coaches' Dilema

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=816232

 

Well I think the article misses the bigger picture that goes outside the white lines on Saturdays when he makes mention that the ones that do not finish first aren't earning their money.

I have to disagree and that's only because I'm looking at it from a broader perspective. Sure, the ultimate goal is to win the SEC Title and play and win a MNC. But any idiot knows that can't happen EVERY year (except Bama fans :insane. These coaches "earn" their money in other ways. These "high profile" coaches increase revenues just by their names and the credibility they've earned as coaches. Take Urban Meyer away from Florida and put Coach "No one has every heard of me" in that position. Watch what happens.

When Saban was hired retail sales in MANY outlets TRIPLED and has continued to sell at that level. More money has been donated to the school, more money has been pumped into the community around the college and throughout the city. Donations have increased etc.

And this isn't just with Saban but all the other high profile names in the SEC have the same impact. They bring "value" that goes WAY beyond the game on Saturdays that benefits the football program, the college and the city around them.

 

You're right (although I don't think that article was really about the value each coach brings to their programs), but in the end I expect that at least one of those coaches will be fired within 4/5 years because they didn't win at least a West championship. The guy's article is right on in my opinion but that is what makes SEC football so compelling, every program is pursuing a championship, every program wants to be the best. MSU and Vandy have obvious limitations and might have trouble ever becoming the best program in the SEC, but they're trying like heck.

The simple fact of the matter is the SEC overall is going to be a bloodbath damn near every year without any programs dominating and the SEC west should finally be on a par and maybe even better than the East now.

 

Ron Zook? :shock: :huh:

 

This "value" you speak of is due to, at least, the expectation of winning. If Saban continues to have 6 & 7 win seasons, donations & retail will slip dramatically.

 

In the long term you're correct. But in the short term they more than pay for their salaries in the things that I've mentioned. The ultimate goal and the reason for all of the big salaries is winning. But simply looking at it from a "if they don't come in first they haven't earned their money" type mentality is a bit narrow minded and not taking into account the bigger picture with regards to money. I agree if Saban or any high profile coach continues to have sub par seasons at some point the equation tilts and you start losing money off of your investment.

But the astronomical amount of money these coaches bring in to the economy, communities, college and cities on the front in from just the sheer excitment and hope of "a new start/new day" type atmosphere is a part of the "return" on your investment, if you're talking dollars and cents.

 

Only initially during the "honeymoon" period, and thereafter only if they win. Saban drops another 4-6 games this year and next, and those "sabannation" t-shirt sales are gonna dry up. The same can be said at any school, including our own. Nutt is a "name" at Ole Miss today, but last year few people in Arkansas were donating $ based on him.

The thrust of the article is accurate. People are not willing to pay more and keep losing. At the end of the day you have to win.

 

Great memory to dredge up!:lol:

 

Hence the reason I said the "short term" and on the "front end".