Minnesota Athletic Director Joel Maturi dismissed speculation yesterday that there is a major issue involving basketball coach Tubby Smith’s contract. Smith has been working for the University since March but his formal multi-year contract hasn’t been signed, leading to talk that there might be a problem. Maturi told Sports Headliners that details are being finalized by lawyers and he expects the contract to be signed in less than 30 days. It’s believed that the contract may be for five to seven years, and with incentives compensation could exceed $2 million annually.
It’s been known for awhile that Smith wants a new practice facility, similar to schools that he must recruit against. Maturi said earlier this fall that such a facility (it might include basketball courts, offices and training areas) won’t move ahead until fund-raising is completed for the new football stadium. Maturi said the proposed new practice facility isn’t being used as leverage by Smith in contract negotiations.
Smith’s first Gopher team is predicted to finish in the lower half of the Big Ten Conference standings. If his team exceeds expectations, and maybe even if it doesn’t, other schools are expected to show interest in hiring Smith, the former Kentucky coach who won a national championship and regularly had his teams in the NCAA tournament.
A source told Sports Headliners earlier this week that a major basketball school from the south is already targeting Smith. He has a national reputation not only for winning, but being highly respected as both a coach and person by his peers.
So far, Smith has probably been all that athletic department officials expected prior to his coming here. He has impressed with his personality, people skills and willingness to help others. With his players, he’s demanding and knowledgeable. After three games, the Gophers look dramatically improved offensively, defensively and in attitude. Although no-name opponents usually look feistier against Big Ten teams, the Gophers have out- hustled Minnesota State, Southwest Minnesota State and Army in their first three games.
With some promising junior college and high school recruits expected to accept scholarships with the Gophers this week, Smith and his staff are showing they can recruit and coach.