The news that Baylor coach Art Briles has signed yet another contract extension, extending his deal to 10 years, has prompted warranted speculation that the Bears are guarding against an eventual attempt by the University of Texas to pilfer him.
We’ve got a feeling that the powers-that-be have at least one eye on one higher level of the sport.
With the Redskins again at 3-6 and coach Mike Shanahan under contract only through 2014, it’s possible that Baylor wants to guard against an effort by owner Daniel Snyder to pair Briles with the quarterback who won the Heisman while playing at Baylor.
Yes, it’s all speculation. But Snyder has proven based on his past actions that it’s proper to wonder what he may be up to, given that he reportedly lined up Shanahan for the job while Jim Zorn still had it.
Briles’ new deal could be the result of Snyder already sniffing around. Or it could be that Baylor fears that Snyder eventually will make a play.
Absent a chance to scrutinize the new Briles contract, it may not matter. College coaches continue to leave for other colleges and NFL teams despite having long-term contracts in place. For now, the announcement of a new deal may be nothing more than a way to deal with questions Briles is getting from recruits about whether he’ll be leaving.
“I just signed a 10-year contract with Baylor!” Briles can now declare.
Even if he eventually signs a four-year contract with the Redskins.