Hypocrisy or Mad Crazy ???

Yes it is "Silly Season"

Last year during the Unprecedented COVID year, it seemed that most college athletic programs were cutting athletic budgets, tightening the belt, and cutting non-revenue producing programs like: gymnastics, tennis, swimming, etc.   Across the country athletic departments were projecting shortfalls in budget projections in college athletics.  

10/29/2020: In a statement, the LSU athletic department said it expects to lose $80 million in revenue. As a result, LSU announced department-wide reductions in compensation. Staff earning above $80,000 are subject to a 5% salary decrease in 2021; the athletic department won’t give bonuses to coaches and staff for one year; and LSU will only approve new positions, promotions, salary adjustments and position replacements in "essential situations" through June 30, 2023.   LSU athletics lays off employees

11/31/2021: LSU has hired Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly to fill its vacant position, the school announced Tuesday morning. Kelly's contract will be a 10-year, $95 million deal, plus incentives. It is believed the Tigers shifted to courting Kelly after whiffing on stealing Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, who was instead hired by USC.  LSU hires Kelly

Say what, - what a difference a year make, really?  Is it just me or is the hypocrisy across college football crazy?   I'll review some of the new contracts that stand out, and money being offered.   And one shining star of hope, and a coach that I think should be applauded.  

• Alabama: Nick Saban - 8 year/$84.5 million; Extension; Championships: 7 National 
• Penn State: James Franklin - 10 year/$75 million; Extension Championships: 0
• Michigan State: Mel Tucker - 10 year/$95 million; Extension Championships: 0 
• Texas A&M: Jimbo Fisher - 10 year/$95 million; Extension; Championships: 0
• USC - Lincoln Riley - 10 year/$110 million(undisclosed) New; Championships: 3 conf. 
• LSU - Brian Kelly - 10 year/$100 million New; Championships: Championships: 8 conf. 

How can I sign up for the 10/year 7-10 million/year deal?  I don't have any conference championships either.  

Now for a Ray of Hope: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh told the "Inside Michigan Football" radio show on Monday night that he plans to donate all his bonus pay for this season back to athletic department employees who took pay cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Harbaugh secured a $500,000 bonus Saturday by clinching an outright Big Ten East title. A victory for Michigan against Iowa in Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game would net Harbaugh a $1 million bonus, and he could be in line for nearly $3.5 million in total bonuses if the Wolverines win the national title. 

Harbaugh Plans to Donate Bonus'

Compare and Contrast with Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz who refused to take a reduction in compensation during the COVID year.  All while the Iowa AD had to disband athletic programs due to a budget shortfall.  We'll see how Karma plays out on Saturday.  You can probably guess, I'll be wearing my Michigan Sweatshirt this coming Saturday. 

This just in - Miami Faculty Mad over Football Coach Contract  I honestly don't understand why there isn't a full on revolt at many of the State Run Universities.