I get laughed at for this, but I will repeat. There is a simple clause that should be included in EVERY Ohio University coaching contract, as part of the buy-out that allows the coach to leave for another job: Should the coach leave for a head coaching position at a "Power 5" conference school, he is obligated to schedule a game against Ohio University IN ATHENS to take place within 4 years of his leaving. Failure of the contest to be scheduled within two years and take place within four will result in a payment to Ohio University of $XXX (depending on sport). This should be standard for the men's basketball coach, women's basketball coach, football coach (yes, I know Frank isn't taking another job!) and the volleyball coach.
Had this been in place the last 10 years, we'd have seen Illinois men's hoops, OSU women's volleyball, and Boston College would be on the schedule for basketball within the next two years.
Other schools do this, I wish I could recall the school, but some big school in the South had to visit their coach's smaller former school for a basketball game a couple of years ago.
The payments in lieu of the game taking place should be realistic, but punitive to the point that it makes a LOT more sense just to come to Athens. Maybe $150k to $250 K for football, $75 to $100k for basketball.
Frankly, I am disappointed that the athletic department never was able to get Groce to come back here for a game. I'm not certain that they tried very hard. And I damnwell would have prevented Christian from leaving the convo without a signed contract for a BC visit (yes, I know that's impossible, but you get the point).
I couldn't agree more. Dayton did it with their basketball contracts. It was the first I had heard of it. I think it's brilliant. I am really curious why does everybody wants a "home" game away from home. Peden is the only place where we'll have more fans than the opponent. Historically we don't travel well for football. Why on earth would anyone show up? It would be a disaster. Tickets would be overpriced by our standards. People would complain about the shuttle services or the hotels. The students would be a complete no show unless the university spends money on shuttling.
This is a terrible idea. Who wants to see the coach that bailed on you come back with his bigger and better new team? What happens if he wins? And within 4years? Why, so you guarantee his former players will have to face him and potentially lose to him on their home field/court?
Awful idea.
Terrible? Awful? Oh, I don't think so. Takes place elsewhere, as HB pointed out. would have LOVED to see Carlston bring his OSU volleyball team into the convo, and I am certain our players and fans would have too. By the way, we beat OSU on a neutral court, so we certainly could have handled them here. And with scheduling taking several years to work out, most of the former coach's players would be gone. Those still around, would LOVE to show their former coach that he taught them well. And if the former coaches aren't interested, fine, write the athletic department a check, a BIG check, on your way out the door...