if you win six out of 13. Bama is still walking around with thier peckers in hand. » More From Today's Mobile Register » More columns from Paul Finebaum » Listen to Paul Finebaum Shula's contract is plain stupid 06/24/03 You can eliminate one more myth about Alabama in the wake of the program's gradual but steady slide in recent years from college football's summit. And which one is that? The one about Alabama being one of the most pressure-packed jobs in the game. Perhaps that was the case throughout Dennis Franchione's two-year tenure and even during Mike Price's short stint (what other reasonable explanation for him to have to let off so much steam?). But if Mike Shula's new six-year contract, approved the other day by the school's board of trustees, is any indication, all bets are off. The Maytag repairman has more job stress than Shula. If I read the contract correctly, Shula's deal is worth $912,000 a year for six years. There are myriad incentive clauses, from graduating players to winning national championships. Those are normal and predictable. Interestingly, he gets a one-year contract extension (for another 900 grand plus) if Alabama wins seven games this season. This is not a misprint. Was that sound I just heard Bear Bryant rolling over in his grave? One year for winning seven games at the University of Alabama. In the past, coaches have been fired for winning seven or eight games, and Shula gets another year. Have you seen the schedule? I think you could drag a carny barker out of the county fair and probably get to six or seven with this lineup. Well, you've got South Florida, Kentucky, Northern Illinois, Southern Miss, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Hawaii for starters. Otherwise, it's brutal when you consider Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn. However, we're talking about breaking even here. Mike, congratulations, go out and start spending the extra money. It looks like there's no way you won't be awarded an extra year. Go buy a new sound system for the den or a lake home. You're in the money now. Speaking of moola, Shula gets a $50,000 bonus for winning six games this year. Who negotiated this contract for Alabama? Did they hire a young kid from the drive-thru at Burger King? (Would you like an Original Whopper with that extra year, coach Shula?) On second thought, it must have been a close descendant of the same real-estate agent who talked the Algonquin Indians into selling Manhattan for a few paltry dollars. Do you get money for also being able to walk and chew gum at the same time? Oh, that's another $50,000. What happens if Shula actually wins 10 games or beats Auburn this year? Does he become a partner in (board of trustee member) Paul Bryant's dog track empire? I realize there was a lot of criticism heaped on Alabama for not consummating a deal more expeditiously with Franchione and for attempting to use Draconian measures in an effort to keep him locked down. However, Franchione was an accomplished head coach and had other legitimate coaching offers. Among others, Notre Dame called him. Can you name one other organization, pro and college, which was vying for Shula's services to make him a head football coach? ... I'm waiting ... Take your time ... I'm still waiting. It is one thing to send a strong message that Shula is the head coach and will be secure during the tough times of NCAA probation. That is sagacious. However, when you start rewarding the Alabama head football coach with a bonus for winning six games and another year because you somehow get to seven, you are talking about theater of the absurd. That means he would make bonus money this year playing 13 games and going just 6-7. How embarrassing is that? That's what Vanderbilt might understandably do. But not the University of Alabama, winner of 12 national championships, 21 SEC crowns, with 51 bowl appearances and the home of the greatest coach in college football history. It sends a message that the program has become a train wreck. It gives off a faint aroma of desperation. To be kind, this was just plain stupid. Then, again, we have come to expect such moves in recent years from Alabama's administration. (Paul Finebaum's column appears Tuesday and Saturday in the Mobile Register. Contact him at [email protected].) » Send This Page | » Print This Page MORE SPORTS » Hot Tickets » NBA draft looks wild after first three » "May I have this dance?" Today's Stories MORE FROM THE MOBILE REGISTER Today's News | Mobile Register Links & Archives INSIDE Sports » Pro Sports » College Sports » Prep Sports » More Sports SPEAK UP! » Sports Central » Alabama Football » Auburn Football » High School Sports » More Forums » Log On to ChatXtra! » Win Hillary Clinton's new book! » More giveaways » Advertise With Us
