If change is necessary, let AD make it
October 23, 2009 9:36 AM
A person close to the situation, who did not want to be identified, discusses the process:
"Guenther can no longer be coy or deferential about his future. It wouldn't make sense for the athletic director to hire a new football coach if he intends to retire next year.
"If Guenther concludes that a change is necessary, he'll need to make a comprehensive analysis of the reasons, demonstrating the implications of the win-loss record, the future of the team, projected sales of tickets, boxes and suites, the status of recruiting, everything. Furthermore, he'll have to show that he has private funding for the buyout, not only for the head coach ($1.3 million per year for four years, not counting assistants with multiyear contracts) but for the staff changeover. He'd have to explain what 'starting over' means.
"Guenther's position is awkward under the circumstances, and it might be appropriate for him to ask whether his recommendation would be accepted or he should step aside. If he has Ikenberry's support, it isn't likely that the new board will be intrusive. If Ikenberry and Guenther are in agreement, the trustees will probably go along."
Tate
"Guenther can no longer be coy or deferential about his future. It wouldn't make sense for the athletic director to hire a new football coach if he intends to retire next year.
"If Guenther concludes that a change is necessary, he'll need to make a comprehensive analysis of the reasons, demonstrating the implications of the win-loss record, the future of the team, projected sales of tickets, boxes and suites, the status of recruiting, everything. Furthermore, he'll have to show that he has private funding for the buyout, not only for the head coach ($1.3 million per year for four years, not counting assistants with multiyear contracts) but for the staff changeover. He'd have to explain what 'starting over' means.
"Guenther's position is awkward under the circumstances, and it might be appropriate for him to ask whether his recommendation would be accepted or he should step aside. If he has Ikenberry's support, it isn't likely that the new board will be intrusive. If Ikenberry and Guenther are in agreement, the trustees will probably go along."
Tate
Filed under: Illini Football
