Glass: Bill Lynch will stay as coach
James Brosher |
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IU football coach Bill Lynch speaks to the audience during Traditions and Spirit of IU on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 at Assembly Hall.
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Nathan Hart |
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12:37 AM ON Oct. 29, 2009
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Brandon Foltz |
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IU football coach Bill Lynch walks off the field following the Hoosiers' 42-29 loss to Michigan State on Sept. 27 at Memorial Stadium.
IU football coach Bill Lynch will keep his job for at least the next two years.
IU athletics director Fred Glass said Tuesday that he will honor Lynch’s contract, which runs through the 2011 season.
“I think contracts need to mean something again at IU,” Glass said. “He’s in the second year of a four-year contract. ... I hope that and really think that coach Lynch will be very successful.”
Glass’ vote of confidence this week came following IU’s 29-28 loss to Northwestern on Saturday, when the Hoosiers gave up 26 unanswered points.
Lynch has posted a 14-19 record overall after two and half seasons as the Hoosiers’ coach, including a 4-4 record this season.
Lynch said settling any questions about his contract helps the program focus on the future.
“Obviously, I really appreciate Glass’ support,” Lynch said. “I’m excited because I think we have a great future here.”
Glass said his reasoning for backing Lynch was based on IU playing better this season than how many people thought they would. He said Sports Illustrated picked the Hoosiers to finish this season 2-10, adding that the Hoosiers are a handful of plays from being 6-2.
The Northwestern loss, which included some controversial coaching calls in the fourth quarter, was not a factor in Glass’ decision.
“There’ve been encouraging things and discouraging things,” Glass said. “I reject suggestions that it was a loss related to the coaching staff. I don’t agree with that.”
Lynch avoided the question about the timing of the announcement following the loss by simply saying he appreciated Glass’ support.
Lynch and Glass meet weekly to discuss the football team, and Lynch said they talked about his contract Monday when Glass made his decision.
Senior linebacker Matt Mayberry said he’s excited for Lynch and the team’s future.
“I won’t be here, but he’s a great guy, and he’s a great coach,” Mayberry said. “He recruited me. He’s like a father to me. I can’t say enough about him. For all the young players, it will be a great time with him.”
The IU athletics program has gone through several coaching changes in the past decade with its two major sports programs: basketball and football.
Glass, who became athletics director in January, emphasized the importance of honoring coaching contracts.
The football and basketball team each have had four coaches since 2000 – including two football coaches that were fired. Lynch was named interim coach in 2007 following the death of coach Terry Hoeppner. He was named head coach the following season.
One issue Lynch and Glass did not discuss was a contract extension beyond 2011.
“No, that isn’t important at this point,” Lynch said. “We’ve had really good discussions about the football program on where we’re going.”
– Sports editor Sean Morrison contributed to this story.