Houston – If Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn is waiting to see more from the football program before negotiating a contract extension for coach Gary Barnett, CU players aim to give him an eyeful.
Players said Tuesday that uncertainty surrounding Barnett’s status will make them more determined to show CU he deserves to stay.
“He fought so hard to stay here,” tight end Joe Klopfenstein said at Big 12 media days. “Just knowing that this is where he wants to be and how much he likes to be with us really makes us want to play for him.”
Said senior quarterback Joel Klatt: “He’s proven himself as one of the best coaches in the country. I would have no reason to believe that the administration’s intentions aren’t to give him an extension.”
Barnett has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him about $1 million per season and includes a $2 million bonus for staying through the contract. Barnett’s agent, Gary O’Hagan, has said he received assurances from CU that after budgetary, fundraising and investigative issues are addressed, talks would begin on an extension for Barnett. Bohn, however, has been noncommittal on the subject.
Barnett said he wanted to focus on the season and did not have any news on his contract.
“If all he needs is a few wins (to get an extension), then that’s enough motivation for me,” Klatt said. “I really believe in Coach.”
Recruiting update
Barnett said he has met with CU-Boulder chancellor Phil Di- Stefano about easing recruiting restrictions and was upbeat about the meeting. Barnett said he doesn’t expect much more will be altered outside of what was relaxed last season. He expects it to be easier for CU to get recruits in for game days during the season and have one-on-one time with current players.
“The talks are ongoing,” Barnett said.
Footnotes
Incoming recruits Maurice Greer and James Lewis did not qualify academically and will attend Garden City (Kan.) Community College. … Junior college transfer Chris Todd is going back to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Barnett said, after the defensive lineman missed academic qualification standards. … Safety J.J. Billingsley has been re- instated to the Buffs but needs to finish strong academically in summer school to avoid being ineligible. … Darian Hagan will not fill any specific role as an assistant this season, Barnett said. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson will work with quarterbacks and wide receivers.
