Breaking: Basketball Coach Mike Anderson Expected To Announce He’s Leaving Missouri to Coach for Arkansas
What can I say? That's a lot of money!
Missouri basketball coach, Mike Anderson, has been the subject of much speculation ever since he requested permission to speak with officials at Arkansas about their vacant head coaching position. In fact, he’s just returned to Columbia, MO from Arkansas this evening. And, although it was initially reported that he was staying with MU, he’s expected to announce to his players tonight that he’ll be leaving the Tigers to coach the Razorbacks next season.
“I know nothing,” one player said, even in the face of growing speculation that Anderson had already accepted a $2.2 million per season, seven-year contract offer from Arkansas.
Another player noted that: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes it. Won’t be surprised or upset if he leaves.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Anderson asked Missouri’s permission to talk to Arkansas.
That permission was granted.
Anderson spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Arkansas and has expressed that his loyalties still lie there.
…various Arkansas media reporting that Anderson had a seven-year offer for $2.2 million from Arkansas.That would top the $2 million per season offer from Missouri, also for a a seven-year term.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Andy Katz, who earlier came down on the side of Anderson staying at Missouri, posted a story that said Anderson was expected to take the Arkansas job.
I think 17 years with a program, plus a contract extension with a significant raise says it all. But according to players and most MU fans, this isn’t exactly a punch in the gut. In truth, MU fans are probably happy to see the under-acheiving Anderson go and are hungry for a fresh start. And the lukewarm quotes from players is just another sign that the program was due for a change.
[PhotoSource: Kansascity.com]
