The Rhodes paved for Neu at Washington
By Malamute, 23 December 2001

Why would Rick Neuheisel want to leave Washington and take the Notre Dame job? I can’t think of one good reason, other than money. Having just secured the top-rated linemen in the nation, Nathan Rhodes (Bakersfield, California), Rick Neuheisel has every reason to want to stay at Washington.

If he should consider the Notre Dame job—and that’s just speculation—what are some of the factors that Neuheisel must consider?

Recruiting: Recruiting is a coach’s lifeblood. At Notre Dame it might be easier than at Washington. The Irish have a sweetheart deal with NBC that helps, along with a much-ballyhooed mystique. However, that image—well deserved at one time—is slowly eroding as each season passes. There’s parity in college football nowadays and the Irish are feeling it, along with the likes of the USC’s and Alabama’s.

Add the fact that Neuheisel is an outstanding recruiter and is doing just fine at Washington. 

Most likely, if you believe him and I have no reason not to, Lorenzo Booker, the number one rated player in the nation, will most likely commit to Washington. Right now he says that Washington is his favorite, his other choice being USC. According to one recruiting service, he’s told Rhodes that he’ll commit if he does. Hence, as of now, Washington is a strong front-runner for the services of Ren Booker. With Rhodes’ commitment, Neuheisel is on the verge of securing a strong recruiting class—Booker or not—which he can add to the outstanding class he brought in last season.

Could weather be a factor? I’ve lived all over the country, spending 24 years in the Seattle area. Other than a small swatch of land in Southern California, extending from the coast and going inland, there’s no better place in the country to live than in Seattle.

Could money be a factor? Neuheisel is well paid at Washington. Sources close to espn.com say that Notre Dame is preparing a contract offer that might be worth as much as $2.5 million annually. These sources say Notre Dame officials could present the offer to Neuheisel as early as next week. Currently, Washington is paying Neuheisel approximately $1.25 million annually, plus incentives that can boost the salary to as much as $1,462,000. There is a $100 thousand buyout in the contract. If money is a factor with Neuheisel, Barbara Hedges, Washington's A.D., must try and match whatever Notre Dame offers—or at least come close.

Could prestige be a factor? No. Notre Dame’s mystique is slowly eroding due to parity in college football. Evenness in college football makes that image, faltering as it is, hard to live with since the media expects too much out of a coach at Notre Dame.

Could challenge be a factor? This is a factor that Neuheisel might consider. There are plenty of challenges at Notre Dame, but there are plenty at Washington, too. In my mind, it wouldn’t be worth the gamble to take the Notre Dame job on the lark of trying to re-establish the Irish as a contender for the national championship. Why would Neuheisel want to uproot his family, knowing what happened to Bob Davie at Notre Dame?

Rick Neuheisel says he's comfortable and happy at Washington. There’s no reason for him to leave, other than for more money. Washington must be willing to renegotiate his salary if necessary.