Tim Brewster wants a contract extension. His efforts at recruiting are likely being affected by the fact he cannot confirm to recruits he will be at Minnesota past 2011. So, he has his people contact Kansas to drum up interest and to try and finagle a contract extension out of Maturi.
Maturi decides to go public with this.
Maturi is setting up Brewster to fail. He's losing commitments, and Maturi is airing the dirty laundry in public. I have not been impressed with Brewster's coaching efforts. Further, while his recruiting efforts in comparison to Mason are undoubtedly an upgrade, in comparison to the rest of the Big Ten at this time, he is a bottom of the league recruiter.
However, his AD isn't helping him. Maturi ought to give him an extension of 2 years, with an agreed buyout that is less than the remainder of the contract. That way, the University retains the right to fire him after a subpar 2010 at a reasonable price, and Brewster gains the contract security he needs to secure recruits in this class.
One other thing is becoming clear: given Maturi's immaturity and poor decision-making with the football program, starting with his rash firing of Mason, I seriously doubt whether Maturi should be given the authority to hire the next football coach, whenever that decision has to be made.
Other Nugz:
(1) Here is a good rationale as to why Ndamukong Suh should win the Heisman Trophy.
(2) And on that note, it looks like Suh is keeping it close but will eventually lose to Mark Ingram in the Heisman race. Thankfully, Suh is ahead of McCoy, which makes perfect sense to anyone who watched the Big 12 Title Game last Saturday.
(3) Sad news: the man who should have been hired by Maturi in 2007, Florida Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong, will likely be hired today as Louisville's head coach.