Chris Mack Signs Contract Extension

[nuts4xu]

Per Shannon Russell.

Shannon Russell ‏@slrussell
#Xavier has signed @CoachChrisMack to a 2-year extension that takes him through the 2019-20 season.

[nuts4xu]

And here is the confirmation people have been demanding.

[xudash]

I'm stunned. Well, not actually; I can't back that up.

[Masterofreality]

PAY da MAN!

[casualfan]

Are two year extensions pretty typical?

[throwbackmuskie]

He is now under contract till 2019-2020. Yes 2 year extensions are pretty standard.

[nuts4xu]

Are two year extensions pretty typical?

Most coaches want at least a 5 year contract so they can tell recruits they are committed to the school through their time on campus. So yes, 2 year extensions are fairly common.

[muethibp]

Most coaches want at least a 5 year contract so they can tell recruits they are committed to the school through their time on campus. So yes, 2 year extensions are fairly common.

I certainly acknowledge that coaches say that it is important that they be able to make that representation to recruits. But, of course, the five-year-contract does not remotely guarantee that a coach will, in fact, remain coach for five more years - dozens of contracts are terminated each year, some by the coach leaving and some by the universities. Which raises the question, do most recruits place any value on those contracts being in place, or is it just a mechanism by which coaches have set up a heads-I-win-tails-you-lose system where they get raises and extensions if the team does well but get fired (and paid) if the team does poorly.

[nuts4xu]

...do most recruits place any value on those contracts being in place.

I can't say for sure, but it seems the coaches that do not have at least a 5 year deal are recruiting at a disadvantage. You are correct, and everyone knows that a coach's contract won't keep someone from leaving. I don't think it matters if it is 5,7, or 10 years, but I think a school that has a coach locked up for more than a few years is in better position to sell their program.

[paulxu]

I would guess recruits do pay attention, as there are bunches of "de-commits" and transfers it seems every time a coach changes schools.
It's also probably with a raise when a contract is extended, so the school is at least partially fending off suitors for a successful coach.

[Muskie]

I can't say for sure, but it seems the coaches that do not have at least a 5 year deal are recruiting at a disadvantage. You are correct, and everyone knows that a coach's contract won't keep someone from leaving. I don't think it matters if it is 5,7, or 10 years, but I think a school that has a coach locked up for more than a few years is in better position to sell their program.
I have four years left on my seat license. Definitely puts me at disadvantage.

[nuts4xu]

Link to the story on this subject.

Great quote from Christopher....
"There's a baseline expectation that our basketball programs will finish in the top half of the Big East and compete for championships and we have tried to set our compensation accordingly" Christopher said.

Coach Mack should be our coach as long as we can keep the compensation competitive, and as long as we can keep him happy.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/xaviersports/2014/05/19/chris-mack-inks-two-year-extension/9279057/

[nuts4xu]

I have four years left on my seat license. Definitely puts me at disadvantage.

Might be a good idea to ask Xavier to work out a new deal and get an extension. Might be tough to recruit MOR to split those seat with you if you can promise to be there anymore than 4 seasons.

[XUFan09]

I certainly acknowledge that coaches say that it is important that they be able to make that representation to recruits. But, of course, the five-year-contract does not remotely guarantee that a coach will, in fact, remain coach for five more years - dozens of contracts are terminated each year, some by the coach leaving and some by the universities. Which raises the question, do most recruits place any value on those contracts being in place, or is it just a mechanism by which coaches have set up a heads-I-win-tails-you-lose system where they get raises and extensions if the team does well but get fired (and paid) if the team does poorly.

It probably has to do more with the school's loyalty than the coach's loyalty. If a coach receives an extension, it shows to recruits that the administration there has faith in him. I'm sure recruits know that coaches move around a lot to new jobs, but I imagine a number of them at least want the security that the guy they pick to play for won't get fired.

[Always Learning]

PAY da MAN!

And pay da man well. Chris Mack is a XAVIER man, and everything that a XAVIER man should be.
He breathes Xavier and is well on his way to being one of those rare coaches that is not job hunting
every spring.
Will he continue to have other schools come after him? Of course. Any school who has an opening
would at least take a shot, and he would be a fool not to listen, but he'll be our coach for a long, long time to come.
Now all the "Mack Haters" can crawl back into their holes... at least until we lose a game next season.
Trust in Mack!

[XUOHTX]

Link to the story on this subject.

Great quote from Christopher....
"There's a baseline expectation that our basketball programs will finish in the top half of the Big East and compete for championships and we have tried to set our compensation accordingly" Christopher said.

Coach Mack should be our coach as long as we can keep the compensation competitive, and as long as we can keep him happy.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/xaviersports/2014/05/19/chris-mack-inks-two-year-extension/9279057/

So I'm guessing his salary is now in the "Top Half" of the Big East. Seems like Top 3 would be a better goal/salary.

[BMoreX]

Shannon's article says the assistants got a raise too.

[Masterofreality]

Might be a good idea to ask Xavier to work out a new deal and get an extension. Might be tough to recruit MOR to split those seat with you if you can promise to be there anymore than 4 seasons.

I need a "sweetened" deal.

By the way. This should put to rest any speculation that Christopher and CMack aren't on the same page.

[xudash]

And pay da man well. Chris Mack is a XAVIER man, and everything that a XAVIER man should be.
He breathes Xavier and is well on his way to being one of those rare coaches that is not job hunting
every spring.
Will he continue to have other schools come after him? Of course. Any school who has an opening
would at least take a shot, and he would be a fool not to listen, but he'll be our coach for a long, long time to come.
Now all the "Mack Haters" can crawl back into their holes... at least until we lose a game next season.
Trust in Mack!

A perfect response.

[xudash]

"We'll have some growing pains but we'll also have a renewed energy. I know our returning players are really excited," Mack said. "The freshmen get here June 22. I think it's a really, really exciting time for our program."

I really think this coming season will build to a crescendo.

[PMI]

I am a big Chris Mack fan and think he's a better coach than a lot of Xavier fans give him credit for, as it seems there's a lot of people in the "bearish" to "not sold" category. I think Xavier's program can reach a higher level than it ever has under Chris Mack, and I hope he stays for a long time. But I think it's entirely useless to make comments like, "He bleeds Xavier and will be here for a very long time." The fact is, we just don't know. Things can change quickly and I'm just going to enjoy the ride during the season, and get back to being anxious and panicky every offseason.

[xu82]

Shannon's article says the assistants got a raise too.

Thanks for making this very important point. (You saved my tired, lazy ass from reading the article to find out as I'm whipped right now!) The head coach gets most of the attention but the assistants are critical to both coaching and recruiting. Most of you can recite the changes better than I can, but it seemed like we had a rough spell there for a while. Stability with assistants is important too.

[Olsingledigit]

I am a big Chris Mack fan and think he's a better coach than a lot of Xavier fans give him credit for, as it seems there's a lot of people in the "bearish" to "not sold" category. I think Xavier's program can reach a higher level than it ever has under Chris Mack, and I hope he stays for a long time. But I think it's entirely useless to make comments like, "He bleeds Xavier and will be here for a very long time." The fact is, we just don't know. Things can change quickly and I'm just going to enjoy the ride during the season, and get back to being anxious and panicky every offseason.

Spot on!

[wkrq59]

PMI--What's this bearish shit? Xavier is damned lucky to have Chris as its coach and I, like you am a fan. But I am also of the Pete Gillen philosophy--"Never say never..times change, people change so I never say never." I just hope he is our Mark Few. Now walk softly through my woods, OK?.

[XU 87]

Shannon's article says the assistants got a raise too.

I think that was an important part of Mack not taking the Cal job. X can't lose any more assistants to Villanova because Nova pays 40k more than we do.

[nuts4xu]

PMI--What's this bearish shit? Xavier is damned lucky to have Chris as its coach and I, like you am a fan. But I am also of the Pete Gillen philosophy--"Never say never..times change, people change so I never say never." I just hope he is our Mark Few. Now walk softly through my woods, OK?.

Q is THE bear. You mess with the Bear, the Bear comes out swinging!!

Heed this warning PMI...don't f**k with the Bear!!

[gladdenguy]

Now he better start winning more games. Dez Wells excuse wearing off.

[nuts4xu]

Now he better start winning more games. Dez Wells excuse wearing off.

The excuse we will hear next season is "we have a young team" with 6 freshman and 3 sophomores. Can't blame Dez for anything anymore.

I am sure Coach Mack and the team will say youth is no excuse, and I agree. High major college basketball has more kids looking to make a splash in college and jump to their careers. I think the adjustment for young players should be easier than it has been in the past, because they are facing less and less upper classmen.

I expect some growing pains this year, but also expect this team to come together around the Christmas break, as we have seen happen a number of times in the past 25 years. There is too much talent on this roster to waste it on excuses.

[PMI]

PMI--What's this bearish shit? Xavier is damned lucky to have Chris as its coach and I, like you am a fan. But I am also of the Pete Gillen philosophy--"Never say never..times change, people change so I never say never." I just hope he is our Mark Few. Now walk softly through my woods, OK?.

Perhaps I should've chosen my words more wisely knowing that the board's grizzly still patrols the woods...

On a related note, I do think this incoming class is as important a class as we'e ever had. If they live up to the hype, they might be a tough group to walk away from, and the recruiting momentum could keep rolling in our favor. This looks to be one of the absolute best predominantly four year classes in 2014, on paper. Of course, we still have to pay competitively, which it sounds like we've taken a good step in that direction.

[danaandvictory]

The reality is that even with this (entirely necessary) bump in compensation, Xavier can not and will not be able to offer the kind of financial package that a BCS football school can. Even Xavier's improved contract to Chris is significantly less than Wake and California were offering. And that gap is not likely to close anytime soon given the arms race for college football media rights. Every summer from now until the end of Chris's tenure at Xavier (assuming he continues to have success) he will be offered big money to leave.

Just my opinion, but I would put the over/under on Chris Mack's remaining seasons at Xavier at 1.5. Maybe 2.5 if you're real ambitious. But that's okay. There just aren't that many lifer coaches out there any more. Xavier's infrastructure, facilities, tradition, and competitive financial backing of the program will keep it an attractive destination for the best young coaching talent.

[NY44]

I love the extension. At the end of the day, even if you don't like Mack, avoiding the instability that comes with a coaching change is a win for X.

[PMI]

The reality is that even with this (entirely necessary) bump in compensation, Xavier can not and will not be able to offer the kind of financial package that a BCS football school can. Even Xavier's improved contract to Chris is significantly less than Wake and California were offering. And that gap is not likely to close anytime soon given the arms race for college football media rights. Every summer from now until the end of Chris's tenure at Xavier (assuming he continues to have success) he will be offered big money to leave.

Just my opinion, but I would put the over/under on Chris Mack's remaining seasons at Xavier at 1.5. Maybe 2.5 if you're real ambitious. But that's okay. There just aren't that many lifer coaches out there any more. Xavier's infrastructure, facilities, tradition, and competitive financial backing of the program will keep it an attractive destination for the best young coaching talent.

That's true, but we do have to at least strive to be competitive within the conference or the chances that your under hits goes WAY up. Xavier has never had a lifer before and I don't expect them to have one anytime soon, but it would be nice if Chris sees the potential for the future of this class on the floor this year and be very tempted to stay home and see it pan out.

[paulxu]

Makes you wonder why these guys stay around. Exceptions to prove the rule?
Soon no more BCS. We'll have to use P5.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10951348/college-basketball-coaches-not-jumping-quickly-next-open-job

[danaandvictory]

Makes you wonder why these guys stay around.

Because money isn't everything. As proven by Chris Mack's decision to stay put this summer (and last, and the one before that).

[GoMuskies]

I'll say it before MOR can: I don't really love ESPN including Jay Wright staying at 'Nova in the same discussion with Gregg Marshall staying at Winthrop and WSU and Shaka staying at VCU. I'd like to think those are vastly different things.

[LA Muskie]

Because money isn't everything. As proven by Chris Mack's decision to stay put this summer (and last, and the one before that).
To some degree that's true. Although I think it may, more accurately, be described as the difference between the long and short play. If you step up to the wrong job, you may have it for 3-5 years (and make good money while doing so), but you may crap out afterward. I had lunch a few months ago with a guy who works in a niche agency that represents basketball coaches, and he told me this is in fact a big deal. 10 years at XU's salary may well be better in the end than 4 years at Cal. Especially with cost of living considerations. Plus, consider that another 3 successful years at XU could buy you a higher profile job (with less risk) -- say, for example, Ohio State or Arizona.

[LA Muskie]

I'll say it before MOR can: I don't really love ESPN including Jay Wright staying at 'Nova in the same discussion with Gregg Marshall staying at Winthrop and WSU and Shaka staying at VCU. I'd like to think those are vastly different things.
I was thinking the same thing. And I'm generally an ESPN apologist.

[paulxu]

Maybe it was just characterizing people staying who could have made more money elsewhere...as opposed to conference comparisons.

[GoMuskies]

Maybe it was just characterizing people staying who could have made more money elsewhere...as opposed to conference comparisons.

So where are all the ACC, SEC, Pac 12, Big XII and Big Ten coaches in this particular run-down:

"For years, basketball coaches followed the same trajectory -- achieve at the low-major level, jump to the mid-major seat and eventually grab the brass ring of the high major, signaling one's arrival as tops in the profession.

Except lately some have put the skids to that plan. If it's not yet a complete trend, patience and even, dare we say it, contentedness, are at the very least making a comeback.

This week ESPN.com will look at some of the hottest names on the coaching carousel wish list and what it might take for each to move on. But before we examine why they might leave it's worth first asking what's making them stay.

Marshall, despite overtures from Missouri this year and other schools in previous years, isn't going anywhere. Perennial "It" coach Shaka Smart just finished his fifth year at VCU, still there three seasons after the Rams went to the Final Four. Louisiana Tech's Mike White said no thank you to Tennessee. Bob McKillop eschewed the chance to jump after Davidson's Steph Curry-fueled run, and despite many suitors in deeper-pocketed leagues, Jay Wright has stayed put at Villanova."

One of these is not like the others.

[XUGRAD80]

How much of the jumping for a bigger contract is about making more money, and how much of it is just wanting to be wanted? To be shown that you are appreciated? Mack has said over and over that he has always felt that X wanted him and appreciated him. Considering that he will make more money in one year than many people make over a lifetime, and can continue to live in a city that he seems to love, and is surrounded by family and friends, I think it will take a change in his perception of how X feels about him to make him consider leaving. Coach's want contract extensions because they like having their ego's stroked, but like when anyone gets a yearly review and raise, the effect of it wears off pretty quick. If the only time a coach, or any other employee, feels wanted is once a year when they get a nice review/raise/contract extension then they usually don't stay around long. Mack will stay around as long as he feels wanted. When the day comes that he no longer feels wanted, he will leave, because others will make him feel wanted where they are.

[paulxu]

Go, point taken. Looks like a sideways shot by O'Neil to put Villanova in the same category.

[xu82]

Because money isn't everything. As proven by Chris Mack's decision to stay put this summer (and last, and the one before that).

Thank you. I am by no means cocky, or even confident, but given some of the comments I've read here I am hopeful that family concerns and quality of life will lead to a long stay at X. Few people know exact numbers, but I'm sure it's plenty for a very good life in Cincy.

[danaandvictory]

Thank you. I am by no means cocky, or even confident, but given some of the comments I've read here I am hopeful that family concerns and quality of life will lead to a long stay at X. Few people know exact numbers, but I'm sure it's plenty for a very good life in Cincy.

Well, I think family concerns and quality of life play into it. I think the decisions over the last two summers have had far more to do with basketball infrastructure and commitment and momentum at Xavier as opposed to the offering schools. Thad and Sean got Godfather offers - huge money at bigtime traditional powers. Wake, Tennessee, and Cal brought the money but not the prestige.

I think this contract renegotiation/extension is significant because it's Xavier stepping into a compensation bracket that is competitive with peer institutions. I do not consider it a sign Mack will be at Xavier for the "long run". I am pretty sure Mack will be a candidate for jobs every summer and would leave for the right opportunity. And you know, if Mack is a candidate for jobs each summer that's a good sign. Means the program is successful.

[danaandvictory]

To some degree that's true. Although I think it may, more accurately, be described as the difference between the long and short play. If you step up to the wrong job, you may have it for 3-5 years (and make good money while doing so), but you may crap out afterward. I had lunch a few months ago with a guy who works in a niche agency that represents basketball coaches, and he told me this is in fact a big deal. 10 years at XU's salary may well be better in the end than 4 years at Cal. Especially with cost of living considerations. Plus, consider that another 3 successful years at XU could buy you a higher profile job (with less risk) -- say, for example, Ohio State or Arizona.

Another good point.

[danaandvictory]

How much of the jumping for a bigger contract is about making more money, and him much of it is just wanting to be wanted? To be shown that you are appreciated?

I think this is very important.


Mack has said over and over that he has always felt that X wanted him and appreciated him.

It is not coincidental that his serious flirtation with these other jobs occurred while he was 9/10 in the Big East in head coach compensation, XU lagged behind peer institutions in assistant comp, and there had been issues with school administration (brawl, Dez, etc.)

I think a HUGE part of this renegotiation was healing that rift and resolving those issues. Which makes me quite bullish on the program moving forward.

[xu82]

Well, I think family concerns and quality of life play into it. I think the decisions over the last two summers have had far more to do with basketball infrastructure and commitment and momentum at Xavier as opposed to the offering schools. Thad and Sean got Godfather offers - huge money at bigtime traditional powers. Wake, Tennessee, and Cal brought the money but not the prestige.

I think this contract renegotiation/extension is significant because it's Xavier stepping into a compensation bracket that is competitive with peer institutions. I do not consider it a sign Mack will be at Xavier for the "long run". I am pretty sure Mack will be a candidate for jobs every summer and would leave for the right opportunity. And you know, if Mack is a candidate for jobs each summer that's a good sign. Means the program is successful.

I'm glad you agree we have greater prestige than Tenn, Cal and Wake. Other than that, don't mess with my delusions! I'm a Bills fan! (I wasn't cocky, just hopeful - that's all we have!)

[X-man]

The latest available IRS-990 report for Xavier (for 2012) is out, and Chris Mack's base compensation for that year is $985K. His total compensation, including bonus and other compensation, moves that number just north of $1.1M. I strongly doubt that the reported number includes outside compensation, e.g. radio etc., but clearly he is better paid than some naysayers have been stating. And with the contract extension and two more years under his belt, I am sure that his compensation now is considerably better than the $1.1M in 2012. I, for one, am glad to see him being compensated competitively.

[nuts4xu]

I strongly doubt that the reported number includes outside compensation.

If I am not mistaken, all of Chris Mack's compensation flows through the university. As a private institution, they don't have to break down all of his compensation. You seem sure his deal is competitive, and I surely hope it is.

[Masterofreality]

The latest available IRS-990 report for Xavier (for 2012) is out, and Chris Mack's base compensation for that year is $985K. His total compensation, including bonus and other compensation, moves that number just north of $1.1M. I strongly doubt that the reported number includes outside compensation, e.g. radio etc., but clearly he is better paid than some naysayers have been stating. And with the contract extension and two more years under his belt, I am sure that his compensation now is considerably better than the $1.1M in 2012. I, for one, am glad to see him being compensated competitively.

"Competitively" is a relative term. Compared to Oliver Purnell, that is not "competitive", but we're getting closer.

[Muskie]

"Competitively" is a relative term. Compared to Oliver Purnell, that is not "competitive", but we're getting closer.

When Purnell brings that team back it will be a bargain for DePaul.

;)

[X-man]

"Competitively" is a relative term. Compared to Oliver Purnell, that is not "competitive", but we're getting closer.

I hear ya. But at least Chris crossed that $1M threshold back in 2012.

[Mrs. Garrett]

"Competitively" is a relative term. Compared to Oliver Purnell, that is not "competitive", but we're getting closer.

Until DePAul hires a real athletic director, you can't use them as a measure of your own athletic department.