Dallas – Amid chatter about the latest latte flavor or style of sandal, the future of Colorado men’s basketball coach Ricardo Patton has become a popular topic of campus conversation.
Was athletic director Mike Bohn hired last year to fire the football coach, Gary Barnett, and the basketball coach? Has Bohn given Patton an ultimatum of needing to reach this year’s NCAA Tournament to keep his job? Has Bohn already decided against giving Patton a contract extension?
Patton’s contract, which includes a $565,103 annual salary, is due to expire after the 2006-07 season, and the lack of a contract extension has fueled such speculation.
“Not even close,” Bohn said this week when asked about the rumors. “That’s crazy.”
Asked about Patton’s work in general this season, Bohn said, “Frankly, I’ve been encouraged by what we’ve accomplished this season. The question becomes, can we sustain it?”
Colorado (19-8) opens Big 12 Tournament play Thursday against Baylor looking to become only the fourth Buffs team to win 20 games in modern school history. A loss, however, could be expected to turn up the heat on Patton. The Buffs are considered on the bubble for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and probably need a strong tournament showing to get in.
“I think we’ve had a good year already, and remember we were picked to finish ninth (in a preseason poll of Big 12 coaches),” Patton said. “But there’s still more we hope to accomplish.”
Critics point out Patton has posted a winning conference record only four times and is 74-86 in conference play. Patton, in his 10th full season, answers by comparing his record to those of past CU coaches, saying it takes time to build a program lacking in tradition and deep-pocketed boosters, not to mention one with inherent recruiting disadvantages compared to most conference rivals.
“I equate it to running a mile race,” he said. “If you’re two laps behind at the start, it’s going to take a while to catch up. In this league, teams aren’t stumbling to let you catch up.
“I don’t think anybody in the league thinks Colorado is a sure ‘W.’ That wasn’t always the case.”
Whether that will be worth a contract extension is for Bohn to decide. He has not tipped his hand.
“I don’t know how people who lack (religious) faith can get through something like this,” Patton said recently when asked about his situation.
Colorado players say if Patton is worried about his job security, he hasn’t shown it.
“We don’t see it; I don’t think it affects him at all,” sophomore guard Richard Roby said. “He makes sure we focus on our goals. He’s not going to do like the Indiana coach (Mike Davis) did and just give up.”
Bohn insists he will wait until after the season to address Patton’s status.
“I feel the season has had a lot of successes and a lot of pluses,” Bohn said. “It’s been helped with the atmosphere in the arena (larger crowds) and the student body who have supported us. A lot of credit for that has to go to Coach (Patton) and the team and the product they’ve put on the court.”
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
