Look - I get it. Kalani has had mixed results so far. A pretty good year, then a bad year, then an OK year. Who knows what's going to happen long-term. I don't. I'm optimistic, just because I tend to be optimistic. But I wouldn't be shocked if things go south for him either.

But I don't see a contract extension as entirely about how great or poorly Kalani has done as a coach. I see it as a recruitment tool as well. There's a saying that people don't quit jobs, they quit supervisors. And I tend to see college athletics as a similar situation - players don't play for schools, they play for coaches. I mean, they gain loyalty to the school as they go. But the coach recruits the kid. They want to play for the coach.

So when recruiting is going on, kids are looking at whether or not the coach is actually going to be there. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that other schools are saying "You know, that school isn't sold on him as a coach. He's only got 1 year left on his contract and rumors are he won't even be there next year. Come play for me." (I say that as a recruiting pitch in general for situations like this - not specific to Kalani.)

With that in mind - I wouldn't EVER want the coaches contract to be a potential hinderance. Go ahead and give him a contract that has him locked in to the school for the next 3-4 years. Then, if you decide it really is time for him to go - just fire him. Fire him and hire the next guy. Yeah - you're paying 2 salaries for a couple of years. But it's worth it. If you think he needs a stick and carrot - then go ahead and tell him his 3 year contract is for show, and he needs to perform or he'll be fired. But keep that business private. No need to broadcast it around when you're trying to bring in the best talent you can and that talent has other options that will provide more stability.