The team starts back practicing tomorrow for the bowl game - doesn't it seem fair to all involved that Sonny, or someone? needs to make a public statement as to his intentions? I realize he is recruiting, but??

He is under contract. Whether he signs an extension or not. He will continue to coach the team unless the University decides for him not to. He is the one with the credibility problem with his players and recruits. If he continues to interview without signing an extension it creates a bigger problem and then Cal may be forced to bench him and withdraw the extension. It is clear that he wants to leverage whatever leverage he has for a new and better deal either here or elsewhere. I do think he wants more money for both he and staff, greater security (increased buyout) and some sort of exemption on academic guidelines given the great progress of the APR since he took over. Maybe get a football exemption via admissions for exceptions if he can keep APR at or above a certain level. I am ok with more pay for he and staff and some academic exceptions but any increase to buyout has to have commensurate buyouts for Cal should SD leave on his own.

Wait and see how it's handled. It will tell us something.

72CalBear;842608313 said:

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The team starts back practicing tomorrow for the bowl game - doesn't it seem fair to all involved that Sonny, or someone? needs to make a public statement as to his intentions? I realize he is recruiting, but??

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I saw the note about practice-seems odd seeing they don't know if they play in two weeks, or closer to four weeks.

6956bear;842608326 said:

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He is under contract. Whether he signs an extension or not. He will continue to coach the team unless the University decides for him not to. He is the one with the credibility problem with his players and recruits. If he continues to interview without signing an extension it creates a bigger problem and then Cal may be forced to bench him and withdraw the extension. It is clear that he wants to leverage whatever leverage he has for a new and better deal either here or elsewhere. I do think he wants more money for both he and staff, greater security (increased buyout) and some sort of exemption on academic guidelines given the great progress of the APR since he took over. Maybe get a football exemption via admissions for exceptions if he can keep APR at or above a certain level. I am ok with more pay for he and staff and some academic exceptions but any increase to buyout has to have commensurate buyouts for Cal should SD leave on his own.

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Excellent post.
Great summation.

I heard cactus bowl on January 2 against Kansas state. Just a guess along with what's going on with Sonny.

I can't for the life of me understand how Cal could take Sonny back (at least longer term past the buyout deadlines) and I don't see how Sonny could come back. It's one thing to look around quietly. When it becomes public that you have interviewed for another job (or two) then you have lost credibility with your team, your recruits and your fans. You'd rather be someplace else. How can you keep your existing job for any length of time? In my eyes, Cal would be very weak letting Sonny continue to be our coach past this month. And Sonny would be a hypocrite if he stayed at Cal and coached. Yes, it's a business for him but it is most definitely not a business for his players. His 'buy-in' theme would be seen as a sham.

82gradDLSdad;842608381 said:

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I can't for the life of me understand how Cal could take Sonny back (at least longer term past the buyout deadlines) and I don't see how Sonny could come back. It's one thing to look around quietly. When it becomes public that you have interviewed for another job (or two) then you have lost credibility with your team, your recruits and your fans. You'd rather be someplace else. How can you keep your existing job for any length of time? In my eyes, Cal would be very weak letting Sonny continue to be our coach past this month. And Sonny would be a hypocrite if he stayed at Cal and coached. Yes, it's a business for him but it is most definitely not a business for his players. His 'buy-in' theme would be seen as a sham.

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Proposed Press Release from AD:

"Over the recent course of events and through his actions, it has become apparent that our Head Football Coach, Sonny Dykes no longer desires to remain with us in that capacity. Accordingly, we are exercising our contractual rights and terminating his contract effective immediately so that he is unencumbered and able to pursue the coaching opportunities elsewhere that he apparently covets more than the position he has with us here at Cal. This decision is made with the best interests of our student-athletes and the Cal football program in mind. Much is demanded of our players, and they need to know that they have a coach who is as vested in loyalty to their team mates, coaches and program as they are. Our team will go forward in preparing for an as yet to be determined bowl game and they need to be able to focus on the task at hand. A determination on who will act as head coach for the bowl game is currently being evaluated and a separate announcement on that will be made shortly. All assistant coaches currently under contract will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if they will be offered retention. They are free to seek employment elsewhere. We will honor all commitments that have been made to the upcoming recruiting class, and all coaches remaining under contract will continue their recruiting duties for the University. We appreciate the academic progress of our players that has been shown over the past three years, but the on the field results still need improvement. I'm not prepared at this time to announce who our new head coach will be, but I expect an announcement to be made on that shortly as well. We will have a deliberate hiring process for our next head coach and over the past several days, myself and the ad hoc hiring committee that I have formed have been evaluating, contacting and interviewing potential new coaches. Cal is a very desirable institution and program and the head coaching job is an actively sought after position. Rest assured that we will hire the most highly qualified applicant who combines coaching acumen with a commitment to our academic standards and will provide the best possible leadership environment for our players and assistant coaches. Thank you and Go Bears!

I don't know why Sonny needs academic exemptions when an easy way to get around that is to recruit the JC ranks.

Don't be so naive, boo hoo he looked around, if he's back, he's back.

I'm pretty its going to play out that the extension will be revised slightly higher and then he is back.

calgo430;842608372 said:

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I heard cactus bowl on January 2 against Kansas state. Just a guess along with what's going on with Sonny.

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This is one bowl that has been mentioned based on where Cal finished in the conference. There is nothing set. Its hard for the conference to lock in because of the outside chance that Furd could make the Final 4 (if Bama and Clemson win, then this is not happening...and obviously if Furd loses.)

First off Missouri has not offered the job to Dykes. I heard somewhere that Mizzou wants to make a decision by tomorrow. My guess is Sonny is not in their plans. His record at Cal is a big turn off to their donors and fans plus the fact they would have to pay for his buyout. He would make a $million more at Missouri than at Cal. Wouldn't you look at a job offer that would pay you a 50% more than you are making now?

Interesting stuff. Using poker theory, Dykes showed his hand or bluffed. Cal called with an extension offer on the table.

So what is Sonny holding? Two years left on a contract that he doesn't want and an interview at Mizzou.

Here's what I would be doing right now as Cal's AD...lining up his replacement so when he's fired during the '16 season they know that person. I don't know if there's anyone on staff who could do it. Kaufman has the experience but not the desire. TF, same deal.

Sure Sonny has every right to seek and pursue greener pastures elsewhere for more $, fewer academic restrictions on recruiting, whatever. However, the employer, in this case the AD/Administration, has not only the right, but more importantly the obligation to make and set in motion contingency plans. The "we're hiring" sign should be out now.

82gradDLSdad;842608381 said:

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I can't for the life of me understand how Cal could take Sonny back (at least longer term past the buyout deadlines) and I don't see how Sonny could come back. It's one thing to look around quietly. When it becomes public that you have interviewed for another job (or two) then you have lost credibility with your team, your recruits and your fans. You'd rather be someplace else. How can you keep your existing job for any length of time? In my eyes, Cal would be very weak letting Sonny continue to be our coach past this month. And Sonny would be a hypocrite if he stayed at Cal and coached. Yes, it's a business for him but it is most definitely not a business for his players. His 'buy-in' theme would be seen as a sham.

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Now we know what it feels like when your girlfriend gave you herpes and you are waiting for her to get back to you on whether she is accepting your invitation to the prom.

How can Sonny can be making effective recruiting visits under present circumstances? What is best possible story line he could be telling recruits?

50+BigGames;842608542 said:

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How can Sonny can be making effective recruiting visits under present circumstances? What is best possible story line he could be telling recruits?

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It's all about spin. Everything has been speculation so we just spin the facts to paint the best story, if he stays.:acclaim:

bearister;842608538 said:

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Now we know what it feels like when your girlfriend gave you herpes and you are waiting for her to get back to you on whether she is accepting your invitation to the prom.

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I can't say I have ever experienced that one.

bearister;842608538 said:

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Now we know what it feels like when your girlfriend gave you herpes and you are waiting for her to get back to you on whether she is accepting your invitation to the prom.

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Closer analogy would be she asked for a diamond and you gave her a cubic zirconia. She then went clubbing with friends, flirted with other dudes, and got digits.

He's recruiting for his next gig if he leaves. Sounds Tosh like. Hey come to Cal Shaq... nevermind come to UW

Brainsmile;842608615 said:

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He's recruiting for his next gig if he leaves. Sounds Tosh like. Hey come to Cal Shaq... nevermind come to UW

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I doubt it, why would an LA kid even take a look at Missouri, South Carolina or Virginia?

Brainsmile;842608615 said:

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He's recruiting for his next gig if he leaves. Sounds Tosh like. Hey come to Cal Shaq... nevermind come to UW

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...well, at least we know he will leave a lot of good offensive linemen and pass rushers on the table.

Nice one.

In my opinion, Sonny is Chase Forrest in this coaching merry-go-round. If he was numero uno, his next gig would be a done deal.

calgo430;842608372 said:

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I heard cactus bowl on January 2 against Kansas state. Just a guess along with what's going on with Sonny.

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That would be a great opponent. Wouldn't it be funny if JT came in and coached us since we played them last when... OK that's not funny at all.