Here's the list from BGDN:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/sports/wku/wk...c5f38.html

Guys, I got this earlier today but was sleeping in late. I'm retired. I do that sometimes. I've turned into a freaking night owl staying up til 2:00 in the damn morning working on stuff. But I digress.

There will be no announcement until AFTER the Bowl Game.

Western has had some phone interviews and many more actual interviews scheduled.

From another person that has spoke to our AD Todd Stewart. Stewart said he's been somewhat surprised/shocked at the level of interest. That he's got phone calls this time around that he has not in the last couple hirings.

He said that what Willie Taggart, Petrino, and Brohm have done is elevated our brand nationally to the point that folks out there are saying "You can go win at that place...and move on".

Right now we have coaches in the ACC, the Big 10 and the PAC 12. Maybe our next guy goes to the SEC. These are heady days for the Western program. I hate losing Brohm. My favorite coach ever at Western. In any sport. But we're in a much better position than we were in when we hired a running backs coach out of Stanford to come in and stop an 0-20whatever losing streak.

If they announce a head coach tomorrow what I posted will look silly. But I'm telling you this came from the President of the university. This is how 'scoop' works.

(12-08-2016 12:23 PM)dahbeed Wrote:  There will be no announcement until AFTER the Bowl Game.

I said this on our other board, that I believe Holt will be given a chance to prove his mettle!

No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

He's from the Boyle County area of Kentucky. I agree it's a slightly elevated but still pretty much lateral move. TBH. I'm not sold on him. His 'air raid' offense looked like paper planes against Arky State. I know Arky State had a good dee this year but we would've dropped our usual 40+ on them. Maybe by halftime. And they made Troy look pedestrian at best. Very bland offensively. He's done a good job of rebuilding them from where they were.

We've had a few players at Western from the Boyle County area. There's been good football in that part of the state for a long time. I'm sure he knows Western pretty well. Maybe his wife wants to get back closer to Meemaw. I don't know. But I have heard he had interest.

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

Western could outbid Troy if they really wanted to, but I don't think G5 schools bidding against each other makes much sense and it's not like Brown needs to take the job to get a P5 job.

(12-08-2016 12:51 PM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

Western could outbid Troy if they really wanted to, but I don't think G5 schools bidding against each other makes much sense and it's not like Brown needs to take the job to get a P5 job.

which lends to the point I made in the other thread regarding wilder to Temple....g5 to g5 bidding wars....when/will it begin? what other athletic programs would it possibly affect? etc....

it's going to be interesting to watch these two vacancy/hires play out...

(12-08-2016 01:26 PM)wkuyoungster Wrote:  WKU will not be in a bidding war with anyone at least not unless you are taking a few 100k type of bidding. WKU has about reached their max on spending and will max out at the 1.2 million range for football. Unless someone steps up and pays that money for Western. But even then it's a taking from one hand to feed the other type deal. WKU's been very lucky so far in making good choices for little money. At least today's football money. Not just the head coach also landing good asst coaches on a 1 million dollar budget for those coaches. In CUSA some schools pay their head coaches a few hundred thousand more and some others spend that few hundred + on asst coaches. But unless you have a bigtime money bags in the program the 2.5 million range for head coach and his asst coaches will top each of us out.

That head coach is really important but if you talk to any of the kids that went through the Western program over the last few years. So are the asst coaches that are teaching them the fundamentals day in day out. If your school is not losing asst coaches almost every year. something is wrong with your program. Because they build that base the head coach gets credit for. They are also making from 50k up to 300k and most in the 70-100k range. Still good money, in BG KY, but garbageman money in larger cities.

Cost of Attendance now plays into it, as well.

And zero to little TV money.

(12-08-2016 12:51 PM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

Western could outbid Troy if they really wanted to, but I don't think G5 schools bidding against each other makes much sense and it's not like Brown needs to take the job to get a P5 job.

I don't know about that... our AD in a press conference was asked about Neal Brown getting looks from other programs, and he made the comment that Troy is going to "put our best foot forward” with Brown... which means if he stays at Troy, he's going to be given a pay raise from his current $700K... by how much, who knows. It would be on par with WKU I would imagine, who has already maxed out what they currently pay a coach... unless a bunch of donors really step up.

(12-08-2016 03:16 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:51 PM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

Western could outbid Troy if they really wanted to, but I don't think G5 schools bidding against each other makes much sense and it's not like Brown needs to take the job to get a P5 job.

I don't know about that... our AD in a press conference was asked about Neal Brown getting looks from other programs, and he made the comment that Troy is going to "put our best foot forward” with Brown... which means if he stays at Troy, he's going to be given a pay raise from his current $700K... by how much, who knows. It would be on par with WKU I would imagine, who has already maxed out what they currently pay a coach... unless a bunch of donors really step up.

Troy has really upped their budget from the time us and Western left the Belt, but Western still has a large enough budget gap that they could put together a better package and they now have the added bonus of a track record of coaches leaving for better jobs.

I'm not predicting it to happen, just saying Western has the budgetary advantage.

(12-08-2016 03:30 PM)wkuyoungster Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 03:16 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:51 PM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 12:34 PM)monarx Wrote:  No disrespect intended, but would the HC of Troy really leave for WKU? Is the money that much better? I would think most G5 coaches would only leave for a P5 spot unless the cash was a whole lot more.

Western could outbid Troy if they really wanted to, but I don't think G5 schools bidding against each other makes much sense and it's not like Brown needs to take the job to get a P5 job.

I don't know about that... our AD in a press conference was asked about Neal Brown getting looks from other programs, and he made the comment that Troy is going to "put our best foot forward” with Brown... which means if he stays at Troy, he's going to be given a pay raise from his current $700K... by how much, who knows. It would be on par with WKU I would imagine, who has already maxed out what they currently pay a coach... unless a bunch of donors really step up.

According to USA Today's chart on 2016 coaching pay Troy is paying $660,000 with a max-bonus of $0 dollars.

Western was paying Brohm $805,600 with a max-bonus of $450,000 which is about double what Brown is making. I'm not saying Western is going after Brown. I hope they are smarter than that. He's a good coach but not a fit for what Western ran the last 3 years. Troy ran more of a read option offense.

But there's something else in play for a coach to move without getting millions to do it. Getting calls, which I don't understand, and getting coaches from that school to a P5 job are way totally different things. What are these calls about? I mean why call if you are not going to interview the coach?

As I said I don't think WKU will go after Brown, at least I hope we dont. But doubling your pay and seeing the previous 3 coaches making 3+ million a year after 3, 1 and 3 years at Western is a value over the pay you will be getting.

But make no mistake about it. If the right name came along and Western needed to get the pay in the 2 million range there are deep pockets with WKU connections that would front that money. If 2 million would have kept Brohm at Western. WKU wouldn't be looking for a coach. I hope Western doesn't find that 'name' because I'm a believer that you pay what you can afford unless it's a Brohm. That money would be there if other things were needed. If given to a new coach that is a well that is now dry

I agree that Brown doesn't seem to fit the WKU mold. You guys have been an offensive juggernaut with Petrino and Brohm. Neal Brown isn't quite the same type of offense. Brown does run a high-octane pass attack, but not what Brohm has been doing. We haven't seen much of an air raid offense because we don't have a gunslinger QB and our running backs are built on pounding through the line, not speed around the corners. I think Troy's offense will evolve into more of a pass attack in two years or so based on the recruits Troy is bringing in.

Brown's salary is indeed $660,000 initially, but his salary next season will be a base of $720,000. The $0 bonuses you mentioned is how much in bonuses he was paid in 2015, not what his bonus amounts are in his contract. His current contract shows that with incentives, Brown could make up to $1,150,000 according to this AL.com article (http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/...bro.html). Troy also pays more money for assistants than WKU according to that USA Today article, which is also a factor.

WKU in the last 4 years has only had to pay coaches for two years.

Bobby Petrino was $800k I think and was here one year
Jeff Brohm was $800k and was here 3 years

Bobby's buyout was 1.2 million
Jeff Brohms buyout was 950.00

So we basically paided out 3.2 million but got paided back 2.15million which means we have only avg paying around $260,000 over the past 4 years if my math is right. Overall WKU has got a LOT for its money lately which is the only reason we might be able to afford a little extra if needed

Even if we could bump the salary to the 1.5+ range, a cartel school would just double that and a coach would be gone anyway. Keep it at 700-800,000, with incentives, and roll with it.

(12-08-2016 07:03 PM)wkuhilltopperfan Wrote:  WKU in the last 4 years has only had to pay coaches for two years.

Bobby Petrino was $800k I think and was here one year
Jeff Brohm was $800k and was here 3 years

Bobby's buyout was 1.2 million
Jeff Brohms buyout was 950.00

So we basically paided out 3.2 million but got paided back 2.15million which means we have only avg paying around $260,000 over the past 4 years if my math is right. Overall WKU has got a LOT for its money lately which is the only reason we might be able to afford a little extra if needed

If that's accurate, then that's a job well done. WKU has gotten a lot of bang for their buck.

Just curious... who is #1 coach Topper fans are wanting at this point???

(12-08-2016 07:20 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:03 PM)wkuhilltopperfan Wrote:  WKU in the last 4 years has only had to pay coaches for two years.

Bobby Petrino was $800k I think and was here one year
Jeff Brohm was $800k and was here 3 years

Bobby's buyout was 1.2 million
Jeff Brohms buyout was 950.00

So we basically paided out 3.2 million but got paided back 2.15million which means we have only avg paying around $260,000 over the past 4 years if my math is right. Overall WKU has got a LOT for its money lately which is the only reason we might be able to afford a little extra if needed

If that's accurate, then that's a job well done. WKU has gotten a lot of bang for their buck.

Just curious... who is #1 coach Topper fans are wanting at this point???

I think this is a we trust our AD moment. I'm sure he will get some vibes from the players the best he can to see what would keep them motivated, our AD stated that he will do whatever it takes to continue without conflict. That usually requires hiring within to keep players and recruits and the coaches that are already here have past head coach experience.

(12-08-2016 07:20 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(12-08-2016 07:03 PM)wkuhilltopperfan Wrote:  WKU in the last 4 years has only had to pay coaches for two years.

Bobby Petrino was $800k I think and was here one year
Jeff Brohm was $800k and was here 3 years

Bobby's buyout was 1.2 million
Jeff Brohms buyout was 950.00

So we basically paided out 3.2 million but got paided back 2.15million which means we have only avg paying around $260,000 over the past 4 years if my math is right. Overall WKU has got a LOT for its money lately which is the only reason we might be able to afford a little extra if needed

If that's accurate, then that's a job well done. WKU has gotten a lot of bang for their buck.

Just curious... who is #1 coach Topper fans are wanting at this point???

I might add........ I forgot about Willie Taggart leaving, I can't remember what Wille's buyout was, but I expect he coached for free that last year here because of the buyout. That means we WKU has only paid an Avg of around $210,000 over the past 5 seasons

You guys are confusing terms. Buyouts are what you have to pay the coach to remove him. What you are talking about is essentially whatever the opposite of a buyout is. Most coaches don't sign contracts with those in them.

Here are the coaching options from what I have been hearing from people in no particular order:

Nick Holt: current WKU defensive coordinator and interim head coach. He was also the associate head coach under Brohm. The player really love Holt and that would go a long way with continuity in the staff. What many people do not realize is that WKU assistant coach Bryan Ellis who was the passing game coordinator and WR coach for WKU this past year was the one that called the majority of WKU's plays on offense, NOT Brohm as many think. Brohm set up the game plan sure. But most of the plays were actually called by Ellis. Holt has basically already said if he is made the permanent head coach that Ellis will most likely become the OC and remain the play caller.

Tony Levine: current WKU special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. This would also be a move for continuity. The players love Levine much like they do Holt. Levine helped build the Houston program back up before he was let go in favor of Herman. Levine is known as a solid recruiter and players coach. If he is able to take what he learned from Brohm this past season and continue it he could help keep the momentum going.

Mike Sanford: Notre Dame offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Sanford who was on Taggart's staff in 2010 has a feel for the community and WKU.

Tyson Helton: USC quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Helton was the co-offensive coordinator at WKU under Brohm in 2014 and 2015 before joining his brother who is head coach for the Trojans.

those above 4 would be what I consider the most likely candidates. Also add Charlie Strong, Ed Warinner, Neal Brown, and Paul Petrino to the list, but as less likely candidates. WKU AD Todd Stewart has said he is overwhelmed with how many have reached out to him about the job. So there is likely a lot more then what we are hearing at the moment.

(12-08-2016 08:54 PM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  You guys are confusing terms. Buyouts are what you have to pay the coach to remove him. What you are talking about is essentially whatever the opposite of a buyout is. Most coaches don't sign contracts with those in them.

Not sure how you guys do things at MTSU. But at WKU the investment in coaches is protected. The buyouts are what other teams have to pay in order to "buy out" the coaches remaining contract for him to go to that school.

Every contract a coach signs has buyout agreements in them. Either a.) what the school would pay a severance package should they fire the coach. or b.) what another school would pay to buy out the coaches contract to hire him away. These happen at every single school in the country unless you guys at MTSU just plan on letting your coaches walk for free or the coach plans to get $0 if he is terminated.

No. I'm with you but the term buyout only applies to what you pay out if you fire. I'm not sure if a term exist for the schools protection. Most coaches won't sign them. You guys have done a good job with those.