In today's edition of The Daily 12-PAC we take a look at PAC-12 coaching salaries, including some possible misconceptions about Washington. We've got audio from Mike Leach's interview with KJR, and Oregon and Oregon State running back previews.
Enjoy.
Husky Coaches Are Underpaid? Maybe
There's been a lot of talk about PAC-12 coaching salaries this offseason due to the large number of new coaching hires, as well as the new TV deal lining the pockets of the conference's 12 member institutions.
But as ESPN's Ted Miller points out, the PAC-12 is really still playing catch up when it comes to pay top dollar to coaches.
For example, Doug Nussmeier, the former offensive coordinator at UW, is making 590k a year in the same position at Alabama. Nuss made 365k at U-Dub.
Speaking of Washington and coaching salaries, the Huskies receive a lot of attention for the money it pays its coaches, but as Ted points out, UW ranked behind Colorado in 2011 (and presumably USC and Stanford as well). Interesting stuff.
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Mike Leach Interview With KJR
Our good friends, and the biggest Cougs we know, Ian Furness and Jason Puckett had Wazzu Coach Mike Leach on they radio show yesterday
Leach was candid, as always. He spoke on how smart he thought his team was, but also how thin he felt his squad is depth-wise. The interview lasts about 20 minutes, so there's plenty of good nuggets in there.
Even if your'e not a Washington State fan, I highly recommend checking it out. There are few coaches in the game who are as well-respected, entertaining and quotable as Mike Leach.
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Previewing Oregon's Running Backs
LaMichael James is gone. Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas are still around. Thus, Oregon will be more than "ok" at running back this fall.
Nevertheless, position previews are a must during spring football, and Aaron Fentress does a great job taking a peek at the Ducks' backfield.
Of possible concern for Oregon is a lack of depth at the position behind Barner and Thomas, which could be an interesting hurdle for Chip Kelly's offense come fall. But something tells me they'll be just fine.
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Oregon State RB's Need Love Too
Since we took a look at Oregon's running backs today, why not look at Oregon State's as well?
When looking at the OSU backfield, it seems there are a lot of Indians, but no chiefs. What we mean is, there is no star - no leader. Yes, Malcolm Agnew showed promise in 2011, but as Paul Buker points out, his durability is an area of concern. Jovan Stevenson is a talented back, as is the rest of the stable of ball-carriers.
The hope is that, this spring a true leader can emerge for the Beavers. If not, all eyes will be on the highly touted running back Chris Brown.
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To join in on the discussion and find more great college football commentary and analysis, make sure you head to SB Nation's Pac-12 football blog, Pacific Takes. Follow the Huskies at UW Dawg Pound, the Cougars at Coug Center, the Ducks at Addicted to Quack, and the Beavers at Building the Dam.