From the negotiating room

[Allgood]

I'm confused after reading all of the comments about "buyouts", "extensions", etc. Why would anybody be o.k. with Sonny leaving after two more years? How could this be a good thing for our University? Why would we not do everything in our power to keep him in Ruston?

Because it's generally accepted that it will happen. It's not a matter of "if", but rather "when", especially if he keeps winning. The silver lining in this belief is that eventually Tech will consistently win enough to hire and hold on to a coach. I'm beginning to see the light in this JFW idea.

[dfwdog]

According to Brandon Dunn (@BrandonDunnNBC6), Sports Director at KTAL (Channel 6, Shreveport):

"Louisiana Tech working on contract extension for Sonny Dykes according to sources in Ruston Could be because Ole Miss showing interest."

We are not going to be able to outbid a SEC team. I want someone to hire Sonny away because I want Monken.

[hookdown]

I rather that we don't give him a raise and let someone hire him away. So we can save our money and hire Monken.

If an AQ wants him, they will get him anyway. And besides, doing this also helps when we do try to get a Monken. Being willing to renegotiate lets future coaches know that the option is there if they do a good job. And most likely, it raises the next HC starting salary as well.

[PawDawg]

If an AQ wants him, they will get him anyway. And besides, doing this also helps when we do try to get a Monken. Being willing to renegotiate lets future coaches know that the option is there if they do a good job. And most likely, it raises the next HC starting salary as well.

Yes, it shows future coaches that the LaTech can be controlled by a coach who actually does his job.

It's funny that the five year contract only protects the coach. If he does bad he still gets his five years. Mediocre...he gets his five years. Wins...Let's scramble to renegotiate.

[LookingForResults]

Yes, it shows future coaches that the LaTech can be controlled by a coach who actually does his job.

It's funny that the five year contract only protects the coach. If he does bad he still gets his five years. Mediocre...he gets his five years. Wins...Let's scramble to renegotiate.

AMEN.

[KSDAWG]

Monken makes 700k. This contract shows that he is not out of reach if Dykes Bolts.

[Built4Speed]

Reading this entire thread, I could only think one thing the entire time: This is a wonderful problem to have.

[LookingForResults]

And just where can Dykes go that is willing to adopt the "System?" There are a limited number of Div. 1 AQ schools that would be willing to adopt the System hook, line and sinker, which is what is required if you hire Dykes. I see his opportunities as limited, his interest in a high pressure job low, and the chance of his leaving even lower. Substantially increasing his salary is stupid; but what else is new with actions associated with the AD and Reneau?

[champion110]

And just where can Dykes go that is willing to adopt the "System?" There are a limited number of Div. 1 AQ schools that would be willing to adopt the System hook, line and sinker, which is what is required if you hire Dykes. I see his opportunities as limited, his interest in a high pressure job low, and the chance of his leaving even lower. Substantially increasing his salary is stupid; but what else is new with actions associated with the AD and Reneau?

We know you don't like him, but this shows future coaches that we are willing to pay. Simple as that.......

I like the guy and am glad that we won the WAC - performed excellent in all but 2 games this year and have a 7 game winning streak. Chalk it up to whatever you want, but the team AND coach get credit in this situation. If we run the table next year, will you have the same thoughts about him? The next? Been a long time since a Tech team consistently won, so I would be interested in your answer.

[LATechBanjo]

And just where can Dykes go that is willing to adopt the "System?" There are a limited number of Div. 1 AQ schools that would be willing to adopt the System hook, line and sinker, which is what is required if you hire Dykes. I see his opportunities as limited, his interest in a high pressure job low, and the chance of his leaving even lower. Substantially increasing his salary is stupid; but what else is new with actions associated with the AD and Reneau?

I don't disagree with anything you said up there, except the bold part.

I can think of a few reasons it makes good sense.

1. We are showing CUSA or any other conference that we value our athletic programs and want to reward success. Putting our money where our mouth is, and quickly.
2. This will keep him from being poached by a school with worse prospects, but more money (IE Tulane.)
3. Raising a coach's salary is also an automatic hedge in case he does leave. Future candidates that may have been off our radar before may become more receptive to a school that is willing to pay for success.
4. He did one hell of a job this year, and where I'm from, you reward those that do well, especially when they exceed expectations.
5. Retention of high talent employees is just plain good business. Whether successful or not, TRYING to retain Dykes by any means possible is better than just giving up and letting AQ schools come and take him.

[domangue]

I don't disagree with anything you said up there, except the bold part.

I can think of a few reasons it makes good sense.

1. We are showing CUSA or any other conference that we value our athletic programs and want to reward success. Putting our money where our mouth is, and quickly.
2. This will keep him from being poached by a school with worse prospects, but more money (IE Tulane.)
3. Raising a coach's salary is also an automatic hedge in case he does leave. Future candidates that may have been off our radar before may become more receptive to a school that is willing to pay for success.
4. He did one hell of a job this year, and where I'm from, you reward those that do well, especially when they exceed expectations.
5. Retention of high talent employees is just plain good business. Whether successful or not, TRYING to retain Dykes by any means possible is better than just giving up and letting AQ schools come and take him.

IMO-- this trumps EVERYTHING else. The stakes are high right now, and whatever your opinion of Dykes' system, C-USA sees a successful coach who won the WAC that should be paid more than any Sun Belt coach.

I'm curious why LFR doesn't acknowlede this point?

Oh yeah, and remember back to one of the reasons UTEP got in instead of us? I think the Mike Price raise might have had some sway.

He needs to be paid in the $600k ish range. Higher than any Sun Belt coach (Stockstill makes $589k)... and in the general range of a lot of the C-USA schools.

[PawDawg]

SOMEBODY please explain the purpose of the five year contract we negotiate when hiring. These are just to lure them in? It damn sure doesn't protect Tech!

If a school is gonna get all giddy about winning and a bowl game then why not put something in the original contract?

[PawDawg]

Classic battered fan syndrome.

This sums up most of the posters on this thread. Good gosh!

[inudesu]

It's funny that the five year contract only protects the coach. If he does bad he still gets his five years. Mediocre...he gets his five years. Wins...Let's scramble to renegotiate.

I don't necessarily buy it 100 percent, but one of the writers at CFN always has a rant each year about this time that you should never re-negotiate a coach's contract. His theory is that no coach is going to walk away on principle, and if they get a better offer they're gone anyway so you're only handicapping your ability to fire him if things go bad.

I can think of several problems with this, but I've always thought it's interesting.

[domangue]

I don't necessarily buy it 100 percent, but one of the writers at CFN always has a rant each year about this time that you should never re-negotiate a coach's contract. His theory is that no coach is going to walk away on principle, and if they get a better offer they're gone anyway so you're only handicapping your ability to fire him if things go bad.

I can think of several problems with this, but I've always thought it's interesting.

If the buyout can be increased dramatically, it can help the school a lot as well