Anderson 360: The Mike Anderson Situation

So, this is getting a bit dicey, so I thought I’d breakdown the entire Mike-Anderson-to-Arkansas situation during commercial breaks of the tourney games today.

As a quick aside: Bummer for Washington, but I know one person (Woody, in Corvallis) who is very happy today.

The Timeline

March 4: Graham Watson of Yahoo! Sports, reported that Anderson wasn’t going anywhere. Watson reported Anderson told the Columbia Daily Tirbune that he was very happy and wanted to stay at Missouri for a “long time.”

March 17: Mizzou loses to Cincinnati 78-63. Anderson is “free” to entertain offers from other schools. Free is in quotes because, according to the Kansas City Star, the contract he signed specifically notes that he must request, in writing, permission to speak with any other teams about coaching positions.

March 19: Chris Lincoln, KTUL (Tulsa, OK) Sports Director, tweets that Anderson “to be introduced tomorrow in Fayetteville as Razorbacks new head basketball coach.”

March 19: Twitter erupts with rumors and speculation

March 19: The [Five] – that’s us! – reported the story based on reports from CBSsports.com, KTUL and another independent source.

March 20: Multiple reports have Anderson talking to Arkansas in some respect – some reports say he is speaking to them through his agent, to circumvent his contract stipulations.

The Breakdown

So, Duke-Michigan is pretty intense. That’s completely un-related, I know…

The Pro Mizz

As of right now, the reports continue to trickle out that Anderson is heading south. But think about this: Over the last five years every time “Arkansas” and “coaching position” have been mentioned, Anderson’s name was quick to follow. Not for any logical reason, but usually because the Razorback fans love Anderson. And, truthfully, this could be a guerrilla tactic to get Anderson to give some thought to making the move.

Mike Anderson // Photo: blog.al.com

Keep in mind, Anderson signed a 7-year extension in 2009.

Also, take into account, Anderson’s contract (as also stated above) prohibits him from talking to other teams about coaching positions without written consent from the school – and that’s hasn’t happened yet. According to the school, at least.

And, Anderson is apparently watching recruits, right now, and no where near Arkansas.

One last thing… Sports By Brooks is saying Anderson’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, is driving the rumors – for more cash.

The Pro Ark

Well, there are so many people reporting this is going to happen, I’ve lost count. Anderson worked at the school from 1985-2002 and built quite the loyal fan base – even as an assistant.

Also, the contact doesn’t prohibit his agent, Jimmy Sexton, from talking to Arkansas on his behalf. They could be finalizing a deal behind closed doors.

Anderson is due over $1 million next season from Missouri. Photo // stltoday.com

Think of the job security in Arkansas! He’s going back to a school where he was relatively successful as an assistant. And the die-hard donors love to love, home-grown, lovable coaches. Even if they aren’t successful to everyone else, the donors will still love them (read: Oregon State, Mike Riley).

Contracts don’t mean anything anymore. A 7-year extension is worth as much as the paper it’s printed on anymore.

Recruits parent’s are worried Anderson won’t be there anymore. That says a lot. When parents are coming out saying stuff, it starts to feel real.

The Verdict

We’re getting reports from all over that this is going to happen. This isn’t a “Generic Coach is interviewing with the Generic Rival Team Tomorrow” story. This is being reported as a deal that is being finalized in the next few days and a deal that both sides want to get done.

I’d be more surprised if this didn’t happen than if it did.