All I've read are rumors, so take them for what they are worth.

I see your point, but Zenger was quoted as saying the eaten salary will be paid for by the new TV revenue. I'll have to try and find the quote.

I was legitimately curious where the money came from - I believed it was donors, but wasn't sure.

That's a bit of a shell game then, isn't it? He can say it comes from "the TV revenue..." but the TV revenue is going to form the bulk of the Athletic Department's budget, no? So it's absolutely akin to saying it will come out of the AD budget (though I guess he could consider it coming out of the 'expanded' AD budget).

It's a creative answer, but perhaps not one I'd be excited about.

Saw on NBC41 sports last night where one alumni was putting up $800,000 towards the buyout. I had the volume turned down, but they had an interview with him... and they had in words across the bottom that he was putting up that much of his cash.

I think you are spot on, DJ. Right now there is a sense of anger because of the losing and uncompetitiveness. I don't dislike the guy by any means, most KU people would say the same thing if they were speaking without immediate emotion. I do like Gill and think he will be successful somewhere in this world. However, Coaching high level competitive football (as a head coach) is not going to be that path to greatness. He simply does not have the driven values for winning that there needs to be, in my opinion.

In time all that hate will subside, and people will chuckle, point and make fun of him much like we do Herm.

I wish I had an extra $800,000 lying around that I could buy out a football coach.

No doubt

It can be, that is the business side of it that the AD and university has to work out on a case by case basis.

In this case, i believe the majority is going to be backed by the new Television revenue... simply because Zenger had enough and wasn't going to wait to get the full backing.

Everything I have read says. That the full amount, just over $6 million, is due in 90 days. It was a horrendous contract for the University.

A lot of that money will come from boosters, but that's still less booster money that can be available elsewhere. Its hard enough for Kansas to get football money to begin with. Asking for millions not to hire a stud, but to FIRE a loser, is a bitter pill.

Maybe someone to follow throughout this ordeal:


http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/tal...828-am-a-deep/

11:47 a.m. Update:
I've said this on various radio shows and podcasts but it just hit me that I may not have written it here. Based on what I've been able to gather, here's the way I see the timing of this whole search going.

Because of his past connections with him, as well as Mike Leach's sterling resume, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger knows exactly what he's got in Leach as a candidate. I believe that's where he sets the bar.

With that in mind, he'll do his due diligence here and make sure that he gets the absolute best hire for Kansas in all areas — fit, finances, feel and fan support, among other things.

I haven't been able to nail down the number yet but it's looking like Zenger will interview between 3-5 other candidates during the next 3-5 days. He'll give each one a fair shake and each one will be seriously considered. He'll then see how closely each candidate comes to reaching the bar set by Leach.

If someone reaches that same level or perhaps even surpasses it, that could very well be the next head coach at Kansas. Depending on who it is — if anyone reaches that level — going that direction could save KU money and eliminate the "risk" that many believe comes with hiring Leach.

If none of the "other candidates" reach that level, then I think Zenger's decision is made for him and Leach is the guy.

I'd expect the interviews to take place throughout the week, possibly even into Sunday and Monday. And then I'd expect that a hire may be made sometime mid-to-late next week.

Again, this is just my read on the situation and it is based off of the information I've gotten from a number of different sources.

Leach is a hot commodity and there are a lot of schools going after him, so if he is the guy Zenger ultimately wants and things get hot elsewhere, the time frame could change quickly and this thing could be over sooner.

As for who the other candidates who will get interviews might be.... that's
the mystery. Mark Stoops and Larry Fedora seem likely, Brent Venables is a possibility and there may even be a name or two who hasn't been talked about much by those following this thing.

Time will tell. Stay tuned..

If Venebales would even consider coming to KU he would immediately become my favorite ahead of Fedora.

The tone of that post was dumb. If Leach visits, KU won't be interviewing Leach. Leach will be interviewing KU. This guy makes it sound like Leach has to hope that KU can't find a better candidate. In reality, KU has to hope that Leach doesn't get a better offer.

Eh, I guess you could take it like that. I took it as Leach was "the standard" by which other potential coaches would be measured.

I read it the opposite - that KU is acknowledging that Leach is clearly the guy they want. At the same time, they'll give a few other candidates a chance to match him.

It seemed to be like a concession that they'd love to have Leach, but should probably have a plan B in the pipe.