I think we can all agree that Pitt made a strong offer for Hurley. If it was around the 3.2 million (or slightly higher) mentioned, that is definitely a good offer and a sign that Pitt is serious about making a good hire. However, this offer was not the proverbial "offer he can't refuse." It was ultimately nearly matched by an AAC school and is basically what UGA is paying Crean. It frankly may be the new going rate.
I say this because if the goal is to get an established coach that is going to excite the fans, the offer will have to increase. With a name like Hopkins leaking, I have a feeling we are going to start seeing other coaches leverage the Pitt job into a raise. Hopefully I'm wrong.
This isn't to say Pitt can't hire a midmajor type with that offer or a lesser offer, but other than Oats, I'm not sure that does anything to really rally the fan base which is at least partially the goal here.
I say this because if the goal is to get an established coach that is going to excite the fans, the offer will have to increase. With a name like Hopkins leaking, I have a feeling we are going to start seeing other coaches leverage the Pitt job into a raise. Hopefully I'm wrong.
This isn't to say Pitt can't hire a midmajor type with that offer or a lesser offer, but other than Oats, I'm not sure that does anything to really rally the fan base which is at least partially the goal here.
