wundergrape
Well-Known Member
Inks a 7-year contract worth $1.66 per.
Interesting move by Iowa. Can't wait to hear some hypocritical opinions from some Hawk fans.
what an exciting life you must lead.
Interesting move by Iowa. Can't wait to hear some hypocritical opinions from some Hawk fans.
Interesting but smart move by Iowa. Can't wait to hear some hypocritical opinions from some Hawk fans.
I do think Fran will get Iowa back to the tourney eventually though. So good for Iowa.
Look at this from Gary Barta's perspective. If Fran has a decent year, which everyone expects will happen, then some bigger program may come calling for Fran. Without an extension, Fran would be foolish not to listen.
With wins, attendance and program interest increasing, the last thing Barta needs is to lose his coach and have to start over again which could cause the program to regress. At that point, Barta's job becomes in jeopardy. So this extension is also in part a way for Barta to protect his own employment.
If Fran doesn't pan out, Gary Barta will not have the opportunity to choose a 3rd basketball coach. So signing him or not signing him to an extension doesn't necessarily save his job. Fran's performance is what will save his job.
I just meant that if Fran left next spring for a bigger job, because he didn't have an extension yet, then Barta would be under a lot of heat. So signing him now, eliminates that Risk. But you're right, if Fran doesn't win Barta will not be picking the replacement.
what an exciting life you must lead.
Those who are bemoaning this move are missing the cardinal rule of investment: Buy low.
If you've been following our roster at all this summer, I think you have a pretty good idea of where our team is headed. Better to sign him to a long-term deal now as opposed to in couple years when he has established himself as a program builder.
ok, I will bite on this. I like the job Fran has done in turning around the basketball program. But I would not have been in any hurry to lock him down to a long term deal until at least Iowa has been back to the NCAA Tournament. IMO, a NIT bid and signing a top 25 recruiting class is not enough. If I am Gary Barta I still want Fran feeling like he has to earn that contract extension. After all, I do not see other institutions beating down Frans door for his services.