Howland Rewarded with New Contract

by Menelaus on Jul 1, 2008 6:10 PM PDT in Basketball Comment 36 comments

As a couple of you have already pointed out, Coach Howland signed a new seven year contract today. From UCLA Sports Information (via LAT):

UCLA head men’s basketball coach Ben Howland and the University have agreed on a new seven-year contract, athletic director Dan Guerrero announced today. The new contract, which runs through the 2014-15 season, includes guaranteed compensation of $1.97 million for the 2008-09 season and escalates to $2.3 million for the 2014-15 season. It also includes the incentive package from his previous contract that has a maximum value of $235,000. [...]

"Ben Howland and UCLA are a great combination," said Guerrero. "Ben is at the top of his profession and is deserving of this commitment by the University. He has returned UCLA to the nation’s elite, as illustrated by three straight Finals Fours and three consecutive 30-win seasons. He is an outstanding recruiter, and the foundation Ben has built for our program promises to keep us at the forefront for the foreseeable future."

Talk about well deserved. And it's good to see UCLA doing the right thing after what's been one of the best coaching runs in memory. As Jeff Eisenberg at the PE points out, it's a nice raise for Howland:

The deal is a significant bump over the extension he signed last summer. Howland made $1.5 million for the 2007-08 season and would have made $2 million by the end of the contract in 2013-14.

via www.beloblog.com

Of course, I can't say that our pleas to hold onto Howland led to this development, which has likely been in the works for a little while. But, I'm never one to doubt the collective weight of our words either.

It's also great to hear that, despite the slow pace of the Pauley renovation project, Howland's heart still seems to be in the right place:

"I have said this before, but there is no place I would rather be coaching than UCLA," said Howland, 51. "I grew up a Bruin basketball fan and this is my dream job. We have great young men in our program, both on and off the field, and they are the real reasons for our success. UCLA is a special name in college basketball thanks to Coach Wooden and I am proud to be the caretaker of his program. I am also grateful to Chancellor (Gene) Block and Dan for the faith they continue to show in me."

Gotta love it. Let me just say again. Thank God for Ben Howland.

GO BRUINS.

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Doing the right thing

This is certainly a great way to show the appreciation for the hard work that CBH puts in. We need to ensure that CBH remains happy in Westwood.

by Tydides on Jul 1, 2008 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great minds this alike

Looks like we were posting at the same time. You can take mine down if you want.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jul 1, 2008 12:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

EXCELLENT!!!

This is GREAT news. I see that we are PAYING him well! This deal is a clear statement of the university’s respect for Ben and what he brings to UCLA. I look forward to the next 7 year extension!

GO BRUINS!!!

by uclafan11 on Jul 1, 2008 12:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hold on to DG!

We need to make sure we don’t lose our Athletic Director anytime soon either.

"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny" - Boss

by TCbruin32 on Jul 1, 2008 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What I love the most...

...is that CBH talks about this job as if he doesn’t deserve it (emphasis mine):

I am proud to be the caretaker of [Coach Wooden’s] program. I am also grateful to Chancellor (Gene) Block and Dan for the faith they continue to show in me.

I think the truth is, thank you CBH for the faith you show in us, our warriors, and our university. Committing his future to us, even while the Pauley renovation slows, shows an incredible amount of belief in UCLA.

Moreover his humility is not only refreshing, but I think shows his desire to live up to the banners hanging in Pauley. We often say that at UCLA only national championship banners get hung up. I think this comment shows that CBH really takes that to heart and is not content with our recent run of success (which has been absolutely fantastic).

Can’t help but love a coach who not only believes in UCLA but is dead-set on nothing but brining banners back to Westwood. The fact he brings in great kids with solid character (as compared to that community college across town) is just icing on the cake.

So happy to see CBH get the extension and raise.

by norcald503 on Jul 1, 2008 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

a class act

CBH is a classy guy and it’s good to know that his class is rubbing off on most, if not all, our players. His dedication to UCLA and John Wooden is great and we are dedicated to him.

DG, keep those contract extensions coming.

by UCLAbruin920 on Jul 1, 2008 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta say...

The breakdown on those figures is an absolute steal for Morgan Center. Figure in cost of living in LA, and, I hate to say it, doesn’t CBH still look underpaid by CBB standards right now? Either way…great news and I couldn’t be happier.

Side question—are coaches compensated through the endorsements (Adidas, etc) also? Or is that directly to the university?

by bruinhopeful on Jul 1, 2008 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's great news!

It’s great that the administration understands CBH’s value to the school and future of UCLA basketball. I can’t say enough how proud I am that CBH continues to view coaching UCLA as his dream job. Our basketball program is definitely in good hands.

by Kerckhoff405 on Jul 1, 2008 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Coach Howland

Very well-stated, norclad. Congratulations to him, and a huge THANK YOU for his continued commitment to our school, our student athletes, and our tradition of excellence.

I sincerely appreciate having him as our coach, and I am incredibly excited about the seasons to come.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Jul 1, 2008 1:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

M, you're forgetting the "Take Credit" rule

An old boss of mine always used to tell us kids that we should take credit. You go to court on a motion, the tentative is in your favor, the other side no-shows, so the Court grants the motion. My boss said that the report should be simple and straightforward: “I am pleased to say that the Court granted our motion in its entirety.” It’s irrelevant that the other side didn’t show up.

You talked about the collective words of the BN, and sjh and others talked about not losing Howland. Voila – the next day, Howland signs for a long term. Take credit.

by Fox 71 on Jul 1, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gret news

and very well deserved. Thank you to CBH for his committment to my favorite school. And thanks to DG and the University for their belief and support of CBH.

However, I’m not quite ready to concede that DG didn’t read 66’s post and say, “Hey, that’s a good idea…” 66 is a genius.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Jul 1, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

66 Can't Remember Where He Put His Keys

Clairvoyant? Maybe. Genius, never.

I am so pleased to see a division of an academic institution take a pro-active step like this.

I echo the sentiments of others around here that the next person we need to shower with gratitude and largess is DG.

He really is doing it right.

I was concerned that he is so good he might be considered for the Pac 10 Commissioner opening.

But, I had dinner the other night with a well connected to the Pac 10 guy who told me that X was in line for the job.

For the life of me, I can’t remember X’s name. Ah, Geezerdom.

Now, if I can only find my keys I can go to the gym.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Jul 1, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

66, You Are Priceless

I’m so glad you’re on our side.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Jul 1, 2008 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A well connected Pac 10 guy?

are you sure it wasn’t three wealthy and influential men in the Pac 10 office?

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 1, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Given the way the Pac 10 is run

I’d bet their names are Larry, Curly, and Moe.

by Tydides on Jul 1, 2008 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe

Manny, Moe and Jack

Bob O. (Signholder #3)

by TuneMan7 on Jul 2, 2008 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The perhaps you need to work the same magic on Chancellor Block

The thought of DG leaving to become Pac 10 commissioner also crossed my mind. I hope, like CBH and CRN, this is his dream job. So let’s ask Chancellor Block to give DG the rewards he deserves.

Oh, and Mr. BB’s defense went well. One of the committee members was quite impressed with his research. Now, on to the dissertation and hopefully a ticket back to California.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jul 1, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DG

I am not worried about him leaving for Pac-10 commissioner. However, I am worried about something else and it has to do with the initials MB.

by Nestor on Jul 1, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's been mentioned for that job for years

and the way I see it is worst case scenario is he takes the job and can help us out a bit. If he gets the job he may even go after those guys across town. I also don’t think he’d take the Pac 10 job and while he could help us out if he takes over for MB, I still hope he’s here for a loooong time.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jul 1, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I am thinking the same way as well. If he leaves for MB’s position though, I’d like us to take a run after GB again. I am very happy with what DG has done, but if he were to move into MB’s seat, I think GB could be a good fit.

by Nestor on Jul 1, 2008 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm usually pretty quick on the uptake

But I can’t figure out who GB is.

by BruinsRule on Jul 1, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm invariably slow on the uptake

I thought you meant Coach Howland was going to leave to take Mitch Bupchek’s job, or going to the Dodgers to take over for Moe Borre, or better, to the Buc to take over for Mon Bruden. But who do you think MB is?

by Fox 71 on Jul 2, 2008 3:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"66 can't remember..."

Very hip of you to refer to yourself in the third number like that.

And, speaking of lexicon, I second Deepcut’s introduction of “66’d” into the vocabulary. If being 86’d means banishment from an establishment, then being 66’d means being exalted and rewarded in one’s position before it is too late.

by Bruinut on Jul 2, 2008 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This brings Seinfeld to mind

“Jimmy likes you.” That was a funny episode.

by Fox 71 on Jul 3, 2008 4:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite line

from that episode was “Jimmy’s down!!”

by Bruinut on Jul 4, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point

And it’s time we 66’d the athletic director.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Jul 3, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any word on the Buy Out Amount?

I think this is a great sign of faith. However, the key to keeping Ben Howland will be the buy out amount, which would deter many schools from paying for it. However, that probably wouldn’t keep a pro team like the Lakers from paying for it. Shoot, Jackson is making 10 million now. I bet they would pay Ben at least 5 million per year. I would like to see a buy out of at least 4 million. If this is truly Howland’s dream job, I don’t see why he would decline it.

by BruinFaithful on Jul 1, 2008 5:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rick Neuheisal You paying attention?

This proves that UCLA will pay top dollar for WINNERS!!!!

by BruinFaithful on Jul 1, 2008 5:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Baron Davis

Back in LA… fantastic.

(Apologies for the threadjack.)

by Dexter Fishmore on Jul 1, 2008 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This might get me to watch the Clips again

I love The Baron, and I’m thrilled that he finally gets to come home. In honor of the first truly good personnel move in years that they haven’t had handed to them on a silver platter, they get the “Paper” prefix taken off. Congrats Clips. Win some games and I might use the full name in casual conversation.

by Tydides on Jul 1, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

by BruinsRule on Jul 1, 2008 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

66, I don't suppose...

...you could come up with a post suggesting how valuable I am to my company (when I’m not reading BN) and should be rewarded before somebody steals me away…

by bru79 on Jul 3, 2008 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs