Mike Thomas addressed the media first and talked about the positive direction the meeting had. The practice facilities are already in the works and should be completed within the time table. Expansion of Nippert Stadium is a much larger project, but Mr. Thomas said that the need for expansion is understood by the leaders of the University.
Two years ago when Brian Kelly was being hired for the UC job the same four people met in an airport hanger in Michigan and the discussion was the same. The only difference is, back then it was a five year plan. By winning the Big East the time table has been moved up a few years. Either way Coach Kelly was happy enough with what was being said two years ago to take the job, and today he was happy enough with what he heard to stay.
Along with keeping Coach Kelly most fans want to keep Nippert Stadium. Future expansion of the stadium is definitely part of the plan. In his travels Mike Thomas has been involved with major stadium projects at Virginia and Akron. Coach Kelly says that Mike Thomas is the right man at the right time for this project.
After an opening speech about staying at UC more questions surfaced. Coach Kelly said that his representation has made it clear that he was not entertaining any offers, but what about Notre Dame? What if they come calling?
Bottom line is that it's a great day for UC football. Brian Kelly is committed to UC as long as it's leadership is committed to him and what he wants to get done. The fans should be as enthused with the leaders at UC as they are the football team. Mike Thomas, Nancy Zimpher, and Jeff Wyler should be commended for backing up what they promised Coach Kelly when they hired him.
1 comment:
"BK to Stay!!!" and why wouldn't he? It's easy to be king in Cincinnati - just ask Huggins, who parlayed one final four trip into a decade and a half of job security. It took an outsider with something to prove to drive him out of town.
All it takes is comparing BK and the Bearcats to MB and the Bengals to get to the heart of the matter. I know a number of folks with season tickets to both and many have commented how much fun Saturdays have been this year and how dismal Sundays continue to be.
All cynicism aside, I think this a good move by both Brian Kelly and UC. While he might not stay here forever, there is always the chance that he makes being head coach at UC one of the country's "Dream Jobs." If you think it can't happen, look at Florida State when Bowden took over.
P.S. I really enjoy this new UC sports site and appreciate the work that has been put into it. Keep up the good work!
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