That is totally my opinion, but I really believe that Coach Hill will only leave when it is the right position where he can find success with his system. I really don't think it is about the money. As long as the university is rewarding him and his coaches (that might be the most important thing) and doing what needs to be done to create a following. He will stay here until that perfect opportunity opens up for him, which will happen eventually and we the fans will need to be happy for him. Right now, lets be grateful he is still here. You better believe he is getting phone calls.
Okay, so, if I were the AD, this is what I would do. You need to have a comprehensive plan prepared to keep Jay Hill and improve the program. I'd look at it like a 3 legged stool.
A. Create a following
B. Reward and incentives
C. Facilities
A. The program deserves more fans and a stronger following on campus and in the community. That will only happen with hard work and new ideas. Season ticket sales should improve merely from the record of the team, but this is an opportunity. You have a schedule now, start renewing tickets today and hit the community for the next 9 months. This is a chance to build the Wildcat Club and also, Grid Iron. Bovee can't get greedy. I understand that he needs to keep prices competitive, but also, at a level where he makes something; yet keep fans interested (having a functioning ticket office that is working in the 21st Century would help). In other words, keep prices where they were this season. If the Cats continue getting better, and demand occurs, he can then raise prices. He doesn't have the demand in place to raise prices or charge for parking. He is only making fans mad. Get the demand before changing up prices. Also, he needs to get more students out. He hates this, but he needs to do. It isn't going to happen under SAA or WSUSA. He will have to do. So far, I have seen some positives with Basketball. Keep growing what is being created with the change in seating and really get someone with charisma and student-speak to take on a resurrected Cat Pack, Purple Pack, whatever you want to call it. You will have to spend some money, but it'll pay for itself in the long run. Besides, what else should you invest in if it isn't students (future leaders, supporters, donors, season ticket buyers etc etc etc)? Finally, the need to really get the word out. Create the schedules and hand them out any chance you get (now). Some may never want to buy season tickets, but if you get them to one game and they like it, they will keep coming back. Walk up sales is such a thing. This team deserved 12K at each game. I've said this to Bovee before and I'll reiterated again now, there are 17500 seats at Stewart Stadium, your goal is to sell 18000, with a 1000 student per game average.
B. Bovee is doing a good job on this one. Coach has earned new contracts and extensions; he needs to earn more money for what he has accomplished. However, not only should the HC get $$$, but also the AD needs to figure out how to get more money for the assistants. I have some ideas, a small percentage from ticket/concession sales for his staff. Bonuses for hosting a football camp. Finally, and I hope this is in the current contract, that Coach makes bonuses for winning the conference, playoff games, and a NC. Along with these bonuses, he should make money for OOC wins, instate/rivalry games, and most importantly, beating an FBS.
C. Facilities...plans have been in the works, but now they actually need to execute and get the changes done. We need the money...well, start hitting everyone up. Get the North Endzone expansion done and set an actual time table for progress. If coach wants an expanded weight room, get it done. If he wants team rooms, get it done. Just talking about something isn't enough...I know that development isn't necessarily the easiest, but you need to get money. Figure it out and create a better plan than what you have currently. 10 years the AD has been talking about the North End zone. You have a winning team...the iron is hot, time to strike!
