Show coaches cash in from indecision Jake Williams Sports Reporter In the sports world big contracts often follow championships and on June 7 the University ty of Florida proved that college sports are no exception With the university's football and basketball teams both winning this years year's national championships each sports sport's respective head coach was given a year six-year contract extension and significant pay raise Urban Meyer the football half of the nations nation's new paid highest-paid coaching duo and a former University of Utah head coach should thank Gator basketball coach Billy Donovan for the extra cash It was likely Donovans Donovan's recent antics involving the Orlando Magic that caused or expedited both new contracts Donovan had recently announced he was leaving the university to make the leap into coaching ball for roughly 5 million per year However one day after signing with the Magic Donovan changed his mind opting instead to return to Florida after all Meyers Meyer's new contract is reportedly worth million for each of six seasons while Donovans Donovan's will cost OF 35 million per for the same period Both contracts include an option for a seventh year of service according to Contract Continued on page 5 Contract negotiation Continued from page I 1 Meyer spent two seasons in the Utah head coaching job culminating in his leading the undefeated Utes to a bowl game in January 2005 before leaving for Florida It took him the same time period just two short years to lead the Gators to their national championship Despite his success no contract negotiations and between bet t t Meyer r the university received widespread national attention until after the media circus surrounding Donovan had run its course Its It's easy to 0 assume possibly correctly so that the threat of a similar future situation involving ng Meyer and the NFL made this new contract easier for Florida to swallow One thing is certain The University of Utah isn't getting Meyer back should have no problem rooting against the coa coach h who conceivably could have led the Utes toa toa to toa a national crown of their own unless of course you prefer Cougars t |