It's about dollars, and sense
| • | UH soliciting outside help for Jones' deal |
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer
When June Jones stunningly walked away from the San Diego Chargers and a reported four-year, $3 million contract to return to the University of Hawai'i for less than 50 cents on the dollar, he said it wasn't about the money.
When agent Leigh Steinberg reached an impasse with UH over a contract extension, the school hinted it was all about the money.
So, what has changed in 3 1/2 years?
You have to wonder, beyond even the posturing of his agent and Bachman Hall, how different of a ballgame it is this time around.
Jones will turn 49 Tuesday, a point that has undoubtedly been cause for reflection in his present circumstances and as he looks at where he will be in 10 years.
He has achieved more in his first three seasons of an initial five-year deal than probably even he imagined. When Jones arrived, he talked about needing three years to make the Warriors a conference championship contender.
Instead, with a 21-16 record in his tenure, UH shared the title in his first year, was in the running again this past season as a Top 25 candidate and figures to be among the favorites in 2002. None of which has gone unnoticed by teams — college and pro — in the market for new coaches.
Meanwhile, the salary scale for Division IA coaches has skyrocketed nearly 50 percent in the interim to the point that the national average is approximately $500,000. According to a USA Today survey, 22 coaches made $1 million or more this past season.
In the NFL, some coordinators are now making as much as Jones had received as a head coach. And current head coaches are all millionaires, factors that likely tug at Jones every time his name is linked with an opening.
Especially when Jones' family situation — his wife has filed for a separation — suggests he could find himself in need of significant cash.
Meanwhile, there is a new UH administration that has boldly talked about raising the bar, has exulted in the 9-3 season and the Brigham Young victory and now doesn't want to be known for letting Jones get away.
Nobody at UH should dispute that Jones has been a blue-light bargain, not only for what his teams have done on the field but for how their success has lifted an entire state. Or that Jones is due a significant raise in his next contract.
But what the money will be is anybody's guess and so is whether the parties will get it done.
Which means both UH and Steinberg need to find a middle ground that does well by Jones while making sense for the school's 19-sport athletic program; one that encourages success and allows both to grow and prosper.
Consider, for example, if UH boosted Jones' package up to the $600,000-$650,000 range, a figure about twice his present deal and slightly above the national average. What if they also got creative about bold yet fiscally responsible incentives to his overall package and target bonuses beyond what Jones already has?
An an example, for a conference title, Jones might get a five-figure bonus. If season ticket sales reach certain levels, another bonus kicks in. If season attendance reaches agreed upon standards, additional money is forthcoming. If UH appears on national TV or wins nine games, another bonus is paid, and so forth.
There can still be a way to do this if only both parties are willing and creative.
Surely that much hasn't changed in the relationship in 3 1/2 years.
