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Some interesting stuff in this article. Barnes gives Capel a vote of confidence, while Castiglione declines comment.
Will OU's Jeff Capel be back next season?
BY MIKE BALDWIN Oklahoman
Because the Sooners most likely will post back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in 45 years, a frequently asked question is: Will Jeff Capel return next season?
It's not a Cameron Clark alley-oop slam dunk. But it's close.
It will be shocking if Capel isn't coaching the Sooners in 2011-12.
Three factors in Capel's favor:
1) He has five years left on his contract after this season.
2) Athletic director Joe Castiglione hand-picked Capel, a high character coach, to replace Kelvin Sampson following a cell phone scandal.
3) Fire Capel and the new coach would face the same rebuilding process with virtually the same roster.
Castiglione declined to comment on Capel's future. When athletic directors address a coach under contract every word is scrutinized. Giving Capel a “vote of confidence” wouldn't change anything.
He gave Capel the ultimate “vote of confidence” two years ago — a seven-year contract, with incentives worth up to $13.28 million.
But a lot has changed since Blake Griffin left for the NBA.
Following a tumultuous 2010-11 season, the program unexpectedly hit rock bottom.
After Willie Warren, Tommy Mason-Griffin, Keith “Tiny” Gallon and two reserves bolted last spring, Capel had to scramble to sign six players last spring just to fill out a roster.
“What hurt him is he got caught with his numbers,” said Texas coach Rick Barnes. “When we've had guys leave, we've had program guys who have been here awhile. There's no doubt in my mind he'll get it back. He's too good a basketball coach. He knows the business.”
Capel vowed to “cleanse the program” last spring. But Capel didn't inherit the current mess. He recruited Warren, Mason-Griffin and Gallon.
Does five years left on his contract at least give him some security he'll be given time to repair the damage?
“There's no security in our profession,” Capel said. “There's no such thing. Everyone in this profession knows that. It depends on where you are and who your work for. We're in a-you-have-to-produce profession.”
The Sooners didn't produce last season. A preseason top 20 team finished 13-18, capped by an ugly season-ending, nine-game losing streak.
If this team finishes 13-18, with less talent and little experience, it would reinforce Capel can coach, plus set the foundation for the future since everyone but senior guard Cade Davis returns.
But there might be another variable.
The NCAA last spring opened an investigation that Gallon's mother allegedly received a $3,000 wire transfer from Jeffrey Hausinger, a financial adviser. Hausinger denied the allegations.
OU was implicated when phone records revealed former assistant Oronde Taliaferro exchanged at least 41 phone calls and 25 text messages with Husinger.
Nine months later, nothing has changed. NCAA officials still haven't uncovered evidence to connect Taliaferro, much less Capel, to the alleged wire transfer. It appears the NCAA probably will never tie OU to what some would view as a minor infraction.
That's why Capel's future hinges on wins and losses. Despite five years left on his contract, a buyout would be significantly less than the more than $7 million Capel could earn.
Capel is confident the worst is over. Four starters will return next season. Two incoming forwards won't fix OU's lack of size but will help. Capel also will sign another player or two this spring.
“I really like our future,” Capel said. “We have some guys gaining valuable experience this year. We have guys that are being thrown into the fire immediately. I think that will pay off.”
Barnes said Capel's four years at Virginia Commonwealth will benefit him during the rebuilding process. Barnes also said OU's current roster has upside.
“That's how you build it (back),” Barnes said. “You can see they're getting better. I know how hard he works at it. They do things to keep you off balance. They normally shoot the ball pretty well. This team is going to win some games.”
Capel summed it up best. It's a-win-or-else profession.
Even Capel, Castiglione's hand-picked coach, might not survive three consecutive losing seasons.
http://www.newsok.com/will-ous-jeff...article/3532971?custom_click=lead_story_title