I don't think many would argue that Ford's current contract is a bad one. Even Travis Ford might think along those lines. I'm sure he probably doesn't enjoy the constant criticism, and I bet he feels for the players who are not getting the fan support they deserve. (although, I'm sure Ford is happy on payday).
But, I think it is worth breaking down why the 10 year contract was offered. I can't get inside Holder's head, but I can see some reasons why OSU basketball is currently in the state it is in.
OSU bball was in terrible shape when Sean was fired. Ford had impressive success when he took over the program. Pretty much all of Sean's players improved significantly under Ford. I suspect that Holder recognized this and made a bold move. He figured that locking Ford into a long contract would be a positive for 3 reasons.
-It would help Ford in recruiting. He could point to his contract and honestly tell recruits that he would be their coach for their entire tenure at OSU.
-It would prevent the cycle of having to sign the coach to an extension every 3 years, and that would likely result in a long term savings for OSU basketball.
-In theory, it would help Ford to overcome the issue with replacing the Suttons. OSU fans would realize that Ford would be around for a long time and get behind him, rather than waiting for the next guy.
It was a bold gamble, by Holder, that did not pay off. Had it worked out, Holder would be receiving praise for doing things differently that what most other programs were doing. Now, it has turned into an albatross, and (probably) Holder's worst move as AD.
But, I think it is worth breaking down why the 10 year contract was offered. I can't get inside Holder's head, but I can see some reasons why OSU basketball is currently in the state it is in.
OSU bball was in terrible shape when Sean was fired. Ford had impressive success when he took over the program. Pretty much all of Sean's players improved significantly under Ford. I suspect that Holder recognized this and made a bold move. He figured that locking Ford into a long contract would be a positive for 3 reasons.
-It would help Ford in recruiting. He could point to his contract and honestly tell recruits that he would be their coach for their entire tenure at OSU.
-It would prevent the cycle of having to sign the coach to an extension every 3 years, and that would likely result in a long term savings for OSU basketball.
-In theory, it would help Ford to overcome the issue with replacing the Suttons. OSU fans would realize that Ford would be around for a long time and get behind him, rather than waiting for the next guy.
It was a bold gamble, by Holder, that did not pay off. Had it worked out, Holder would be receiving praise for doing things differently that what most other programs were doing. Now, it has turned into an albatross, and (probably) Holder's worst move as AD.
