6B THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN COLLEGE BASKETBALL
SPORTS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2005
Cincinnati buys out coach's contract
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CINCINNATI — Bob Huggins agreed yesterday to step down as Cincinnati's basketball coach, ousted by a school president determined to change the program's image.
One day after Huggins was given a choice of resigning or being fired, he agreed to take a $3 million buyout of his contract. The school's offer includes a chance to stay for three more months, giving advice on basketball recruits and related matters.
"We are working on the details of the agreement, which may or may not be finalized in the next 24 hours," said Richard Katz, the coach's attorney.
Huggins left Katz's office without comment, dressed in his black Cincinnati jacket, when no final deal was reached.
The university sent Katz a letter earlier in the day outlining the $3 million buyout. The letter, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, offered Huggins $110,000 per month for the next three months to stay on and ease the coaching transition.
"His duties will include providing information about the current team, identifying and commenting upon potential recruits, and documenting his institutional memory of the basketball program during his 16-year coaching tenure," the letter said.
An interim coach has not been chosen. The school doesn't anticipate hiring a permanent replacement until after the 2005-06 season, its first in the Big East. The school will have a difficult time attracting recruits
in the meantime.
The volcanic coach who won more games than anyone else in Cincinnati history was forced out by an academically minded school president who doesn't like Huggins' history or philosophy.
President Nancy Zimpher sent Huggins an ultimatum on Tuesday, giving him 24 hours to either take the buyout, stay in a capacity other than basketball coach or get fired from the job.
"It could happen to anyone when you get hired by a different president," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday. "There's a difference in philosophies. It happens. It's a change in CEOs. They have their own people, their own philosophies, and it's different than what Bob stands for."
Zimpher, hired in 2003, wants the program to recruit players with better grades and an aversion to trouble. She also wants her coaches to be better role models.
Huggins' arrest and conviction for drunken driving last year dismayed Zimpher, a strong-willed administrator who wound up in a power struggle with the strong-willed coach. She refused to extend his contract last May, setting the stage for his exit.
He may have been king of the hilltop campus, but it was Zimpher's hill. During a news conference on Tuesday evening, Zimpher insisted that the basketball program had to live up to her standards.
"We expect to recruit very strong students, both on the court and in the classroom," Zimpher said. "We expect our coaches to be role models, and
we expect our students to be role models. I will not apologize for setting high standards."
During Huggins' 16-year stay at Cincinnati, the Bearcats made the Final Four and were ranked No.1 nationally for the first time in 34 years. They also developed a history of player arrests and violations that resulted in an NCAA probation in 1998 and a hoodlum image nationally. In the 1990s, the Bearcats had one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation.
After last season ended, a player was kicked off the team for having a gun on campus. An assistant coach was charged with drunken driving, but was acquitted at trial.
Pitino, who sent Huggins an encouraging message after his heart attack in 2003, was saddened by the oster.
"Bob Huggins, a lot of times, is misunderstood," Pitino said. "He's someone who cares a great deal about his players. He wants to see them do well and he really goes the extra yard for players."
Huggins' ouster less than two months before the start of the season shocked fans and the small number of students who were on campus yesterday. Fall quarter classes begin Sept. 21.
The timing irked some students.
"If Zimpher was going to get rid of him, she should have done it after the DUI and not waited until now when it's so close to the start of the season," said junior Alan Gerken.
Cincinnati fans have readily forgiven players for suspensions and arrests because the program has been so successful.
Senior Cornerback Charles Gordon intercepts a ball during the intersquad scrimage during the open practice for fan Appreciation Day.
Josh Kirk/KANSAN
Secondary
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
preseason. He has also been pleased with Ronnie's brother, Donnie.
Donnie, also a senior comeback, will see playing time this season. Mangino said he could see increased playing time if Gordon gets more repetitions at wide receiver.
The brothers' work ethic has pleased Mangino, he said.
With the help of our coaching staff and our strength staff, they have made themselves good football players."
"When I got here four years ago, they would have had a rough time covering me," Mangino said. "They never give up. They work hard."
The safety positions are projected to be filled by junior Jerome Kemp and senior Rodney Fowler.
Fowler played in all 11 games last season and made two starts. He had 25 tackles and had his best game against Iowa State, where he collected eight tackles. Mangino said he expected to see that kind of performance repeated this year.
"Rodney Fowler is coming on, and he's a very intelligent player," Mangino said. "He's a guy that we're expecting to have a big season."
Kemp beat out freshman Aqib Talib, who took a redshirt last season, for the other safety position. Kemp played in all 11 games last season as a safety and also contributed on special teams.
Mangino said he was confident in the secondary and was hoping the backups would make significant contributions.
"We have four or five pretty good players and two swing players," Mangino said. "The front line guys are going to be pretty strong."
— Edited by Tricia Masenthin
Fans
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
Red Lyon Tavern
tory," senior linebacker Nick Reid said, after which the fans responded with excitement.
The theme was consistent as the captains and Mangino spoke. They said they will be ready for a suc-
western. The game was played in a constant downpour.
"You are all probably the same fans who were here for the Northwestern game a few years ago," Mangino said. "There is no fair weather in any of you folks."
Edited by Tricia Masenthin
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cessful season, which begins Sept. 3 against Florida Atlantic, and they thanked the fans for their support.
"It is going to be a great season," Mangino said. "We are going to sneak up on a few teams."
As the rain began to fall after practice closed, Mangino made reference to the season opener in 2003 when Kansas lost to North-
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