It's been only a few days since Kansas coach Bill Self led the Jayhawks to the national championship, but the coach is making headlines as the top candidate for the Oklahoma State coaching job. The school, led by trazillionaire alum T. Boone Pickens -- is prepared to off Self a hefty signing bonus and long-term contract (the exact figures are not known, but it's a nice chunk of change) to return to his alma mater and lead the Cowboys to the promised land.
Now the coach is faced with a dilemma many successful coaches deal with -- do they stay at the school they had success with or leave for a higher-paying job at another instutitution. More importantly, are they "selling out" by leaving or just doing what anyone else would do -- take the job that offers the most financial security. Just this week, Stanford coach Trent Johnson parlayed his successful run with the Cardinal into a five-year deal with the higher profile LSU program. Same with Tom Crean, who just left Marquette to coach at Indiana. But Self's case is different in that he'd be leaving one of the real bastions of college hoops in Kansas for a less esteemed program at Oklahoma State.
The debate is mixed. In a column earlier this week, ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski urged Self not to "sell out" and leave the Jayhawks. The New York Daily News' Dick Weis thinks Self should take the money and run. What do you think? Should Self leave KU for OSU? Would he be selling out if he did?
UPDATE (5 p.m.) -- Self is reportedly staying at Kansas. Is this the right move?
Melanie Fitzpatrick
Danica Patrick
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That is a lot of money to turn down. In my heart of hearts I think he stays at Kansas, but not before he gets more money then Football Coach Mangino, and more perks then Coach Mangino.
However, my rationale says that he goes. Boone T. Pickens pours a lot of money into Oklahoma State and I am sure that he can provide Self with every thing he needs to turn that program into a winner.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (17495)
My only problem with Pickens is that if he is so gung-ho to revitalize his alma mater why does he keep Mike Gundy as the Football Coach? One would think that he would try to throw millions at some proven legend. Maybe bring Jimmy Johnson back to a college sideline or something.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (17495)
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