What is that blinding light?

[Guest Tigrinum Major]

Everyone's Favorite James Taylor Look Alike Weighs In On "The Extension"

There is little debate that Florida, Notre Dame and Alabama are among the best and brightest in the cosmos of college football.

However, a look at the three schools and how their respective administrations have recently dealt with their head football coaches over a relatively similar three-year period shows a dramatic difference. What it portends about the future of the three schools is a different thing.

Of the three programs, two recently fired their head coaches and the other doubled their man's salary. Would you find it interesting that the head coach of the school with the worst record of the three was the one who hit the coaching equivalent of winning the Powerball Lottery?

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So school administrators gave Shula a long-term contract, doubled his salary and hoped to end any further discussion of his coaching future. They also tried to send a message -- whether anyone really believes it or not -- that there is now stability in the program. Clearly, the school had little choice, and in the short-term -- which is all that really matters in college football anymore -- they probably did the right thing.

However, a big-time salary does elevate the pressure on Shula and accelerate the expectations. For the first time since he arrived, fans should think twice about dummying down his résumé, record and the mitigating circumstances. At nearly $2 million a year, Alabama fans should want something in return.

Like beating Auburn.

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Alabama has come through a difficult time over the past few years, and Shula has convinced his bosses he is the right man for the job. However, as he begins his fourth year on the job, excuses should be a thing of the past.

Alabama is now paying Mike Shula a salary commensurate with some the top coaches in the country. It will be interesting to see now what kind of return on the money he will bring.

[WarTim 3,457]

finescum is kicking the tires and stirring the pot as per his usual.