As the front runner for at least one job, and possibly a second one as well, Central Michigan’s Butch Jones will certainly have an array of options as to which direction he wants his coaching future to take.
Obviously, in addition to the interest from Marshall -- perceived front runner -- and Cincinnati -- perceived co-front runner, along with East Carolina’s Skip Holtz -- CMU would like to retain Jones’ services.
And, to show they are serious about keeping their three-year coach, the school has a new deal sitting on the table for Jones as he prepares his team for the GMAC Bowl against Troy.
“Certainly, he’s had a lot of success in his three years here, and I look at it as a compliment that other schools are looking at him,” athletic director Dave Heeke said yesterday according to the Mobile Press-Register. “We have put a new five-year contract in front of him. You have to be realistic in this world (of coaching hires). Coaches have a small window of time in such cases.
“I hope we don’t lose him.”
There’s no word on how much a pay increase Jones would receive if he stayed with the Chippewas.
Jones will reportedly interview for the Cincinnati vacancy today. This past Friday, he interviewed for the Marshall opening.