Coach’s contract

Two clauses in Mark Fox’s contract stand out as especially important.

Upon further review of new men’s basketball coach Mark Fox’s contract, the editorial board both applauds and questions a couple of the clauses.

The first clause that came to our attention was clause No. 6, which says, “[Fox] will be provided with two cars,” and that the Athletic Association will pay “a maximum of $3,000 annually for insurance and other expenses for both cars.”

Two cars? We realize the Athletic Association is rolling in the dough and can shell it out on a whim, but this is unnecessary. We’re sure Fox already has at least one car, if not two. Why does the Athletic Association feel obligated to provide him more?

And are these cars the University already owns, or is it going to actually buy two cars? The contract does not explicitly say either way, but still – we’re just pointing out the extravagance.

One clause we do like, however, is clause No. 9 – the buyout clause.

If Fox resigns for any reason or if he pursues another job at a different school before his six-year contract expires, “he will be obligated to pay $2 million to the [Athletic] Association.”

Talk about a protection clause. Fox’s contract is worth only $1.3 million.

Although there is virtually no loyalty these days in college football and men’s basketball, that is quite a clause – especially for a school with relatively no prestige.

He enters with almost zero expectations, and if he comes in and wins SEC titles within a few years, makes an NCAA Tournament or two and another school comes calling, Fox will think twice before leaving.

Although that does not seem likely, especially in a weak conference such as the SEC, it is not impossible, and if it happens, Evans will look like a genius.

- Michael Fitzpatrick for the editorial board