*FAN SUBMISSION by Charles Kruzits of Catonsville, MD. Follow on Twitter @kruzindirty.*
Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart are not just revered coaches because of the amount of wins and NCAA Tournaments berths they’ve accrued with their respective Universities. It’s because of their loyalty to their programs and players. In a time when coaches seem to jump ship for the “better” opportunity, its coaches like Stevens and Smart that live by the motto my mother often reminds me, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
Andy Enfield, the Head Coach at Florida Gulf Coast, found himself in similar waters when he led the Eagles to an unthinkable run in the NCAA Tournament, upsetting Georgetown and San Diego State; FGCU’s Cinderella-like run came to an end against in-state Florida Gators 62-50. Despite the loss, the Eagles had a lot to be proud of as fans across the country became enthralled with the fast-paced, high-flying team tabbed as “Dunk City.”
The school, known for its luxurious beach setting, is now on the map and receiving the type of attention that Athletic Directors grovel for. Unfortunately for FGCU, it was programs with Head Coaching vacancies that paid even closer attention.
Pat Haden, the athletic director for The University of Southern California viewed Enfield as the candidate that could give the Trojans a much needed facelift. And when you’re a coach at a mid-major like FGCU, a huge dilemma falls into your lap. Enfield’s thought process probably went as this:
“Do I stay here and continue to build this (FGCU) program or move on to one of the most illustrious athletic schools in the country?”
Unlike Stevens and Smart, Enfield did not choose to be loyal and continue the role of David instead of joining Goliath. The foremost reason Enfield moved on lies within the green.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated/CNN
This past season, sources stated Enfield earned $172,500 with the tournament bonuses included. Andy Katz, the know-it-all reporter for ESPN revealed via twitter that Enfield will be making, “well over” one million dollars per season with the Trojans. That’s the only reason Enfield needs to provide to justify the move; however, it’s worth noting that Stevens and Smart received substantial raises from their University when they began their reign of making NCAA Tournament bids a frequent.
Stevens signed a lucrative 12-year extension with the Butler Bulldogs after their historic run which ended with a loss in the National Championship game. Prior to the extension, in 2008 Stevens was paid $330,417 but saw his income more than triple in 2011 per Steven Berkowitz, USA Today Sports. As for Smart, the man who led the unheralded Virginia Commonwealth Rams to a Final Four appearance, agreed to an eight-year contract with VCU in 2011. Before the epic run in 2011, Smart was making $325,000 and was rewarded with $1.2 million annually for his accomplishments.
The latter two could have jumped to the next “best thing” but stayed even-keel and kept their faith in the hands of the programs that gave them the opportunity to succeed.
Enfield will now shed the Cinderella label and join a program that will set the expectations higher than any alley-oop he can draw up on the clipboard. An NCAA Tournament win would appease his bosses at FGCU, but USC will not be thankful for just a win. They are expecting Enfield to bring his energetic pace to the Galen Center and win PAC-12 Championships and deep runs in March.
