Washington Huskies Willing to Bet the Farm on Chris Petersen
By Paul Taylor
The Washington Huskies are reportedly negotiating another contract extension with head coach Chris Petersen, which could potentially be for 10 further years.
The Washington Huskies negotiating contract deals with Chris Petersen is almost becoming an annual event. After originally signing a five-year deal in December 2013, he then agreed a two-year extension ahead of last season’s Apple Cup.
Now, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Petersen is apparently now in talks to sign another contract extension. Jude reports that the new deal could be for as long as 10 additional years.
When the 52-year old signed his previous extension last year, some people questioned whether or not he was worthy of it. At the time the Huskies were sitting at just 5-6, although it’s worth noting that heading into the 2015 season, they were projected to win no more than four games.
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This time, you imagine there will be such doubts. UW are currently unbeaten and sitting at number four in the College Football playoff rankings.
About the only surprise, may be the potential length of the new deal, although this shows how committed both the school and Petersen are to each other. Of course, it helps that the new deal will likely make him the highest-paid coach in the Pac-12 Conference.
The former quarterback has had tremendous success since becoming a head coach, with a career record of 116-24. He is also the only coach to win the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award twice, in 2006 and 2009.
One of the reasons negotiations are ongoing, is because the Yuba City, California native is looking to secure raises for his assistants. Jeff Tedford was named head coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs on Thursday and others are expected to receive offers after this season.
The likelihood is that details of the new deal won’t be finalized until after the conclusion of the season. Of more immediate concern to Petersen, he will look to help the Huskies improve to 10-0 on Saturday, when they host USC.
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What are your thoughts on the Huskies potentially signing Petersen for an additional 10 years? Any concerns whatsoever about agreeing to such a long deal, or are you excited about the football program having more security? Let us know in the comments section below.