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More on Hawk

Posted December 15, 2007

Already, it's been interesting to watch the reaction from folks concerning a possible contract extension for Dan Hawkins.

One of the more prevalent arguments against a new deal -- and, one of the most-expected -- has been that he shouldn't be given an extension until he has a winning season and plays for the Big 12 title.

Interesting theory. Had Bill Marolt followed the same line of thinking, Bill McCartney never would have gotten an extension. For those folks with short memories, Marolt gave Mac a new deal in the midst of Mac's third season, a 1-10 year. After three seasons, Mac had yet to produce a winning record in Boulder, but Marolt had the vision to see that things were changing. Better recruiting, players buying into the system, a renewed enthusiasm -- all the things that Hawk is building in Boulder now. Mac turned the corner the following year (a bowl game in 1985), but it wasn't until 1988 that the talent he had recruited began to manifest itself into a very good team.

An extension for Hawk will simply be a clear message to him and his staff that the administration wants to succeed, that the level of commitment hasn't changed. At the same time, CU also needs to make sure the assistant coaches are paid on a level commensurate with their peers. Keep this staff together, and good things are going to happen.

It's simply a matter of doing good busines.

Or, you can wait for Hawk to have that big breakout season, then stop by Dal Ward and help him load his stuff for his next job.