UConn smart to talk extension with Calhoun
Posted: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 6:54 PM
Filed Under:
Coaches, Big East
It wasn’t long ago that talk circulated about Jim Calhoun possibly retiring.
It wasn’t just age talking, either. The UConn coach, 67, was miffed about allegations of NCAA violations, which bubbled over after a Final Four loss.
Keith Srakocic/AP |
Jim Calhoun's ready for his 24th season at UConn.
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“I love the kids, love the game. I don’t plan to go anyplace. But I’m going to give a lot of reflection, maybe more reflection than normal, because of that,” he said in April. He gave it a few days, and settled on returning for his 24th season.
And it looks like he’s going to stick around a lot longer.
Calhoun is talking to school officials about a new multiyear contract. He’s set to make $1.6 million this season, the final year of his current deal. According to ESPN, the extension will be a minimum of four years, but could be as long as six.
That’s some confidence in your coach. Calhoun – a two-time cancer survivor – would be 73 at the end of a six-year deal. It would give him 30 years at UConn, and probably put him past 950 career wins.
More importantly, a multiyear deal would help Calhoun in recruiting. Prospects wouldn’t wonder about when he’d call it a career.
And with the Huskies in the hunt for guys like Brandon Knight, Cory Joseph and Roscoe Smith, it’s a smart step to take. The last thing Calhoun wants is a farewell tour while his program fades because the top players aren’t coming in.
