Friday, March 29, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor

The cost of a successful
basketball coach

MARCH 3, 2009 --

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell reportedly had some harsh words for UConn men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun, criticizing him for snapping at a reporter who, at a recent post-game news conference, asked about his state university salary (said to be $1.6 million).

Five years ago, at a victory rally for UConn's men's and women's basketball teams, each a 2004 NCAA Division I champion, Gov. Rell (then lieutenant governor, substituting for the disgraced John Rowland) applauded Coach Calhoun as he spoke to UConn fans at the rally, held on the grounds of the state capitol, in Hartford. (Please see accompanying image.) Coach Calhoun got his 800th basketball win, February 25, defeating Marquette. That comes to $2,000 per win, including 248 victories as coach at Northeastern. Well, that sum is less than the cost of a seat in a luxury box at the new Yankee Stadium.