Lowery staying at SIU-7 year extension

[Da Coach]

It looks like more than half of Chris Lowery's newly boosted salary is projected to come from private donations. Now it's up to the Athletic Director to get the wealthy boosters to pony up the dough--

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2007/04/04/top/19833092.txt

 

[Braves4Life]

Congrats SIU

Congrats SIU

2007 Collegehoops.net Coach & Program Awards


High-Major Program of the Year: Southern Illinois



Southern Illinois finished a highly impressive season with 29 wins overall and a close Sweet Sixteen loss to #1 seed Kansas. The Salukis won the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15-3 record, and ultimately ended up with the nation???‚¬?„?s 7th best RPI. Perhaps more importantly, following the season, head coach Chris Lowery was signed to a 7-year contract extension.


http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/2007_collegehoops_net_coach_program_awards40643

 

[Average Joe]

This doesn't mean Lowery is staying.
If anything, it means the University knows he might be leaving and is pulling out all the stops to prevent it.
And Lowery can use this maneuver to make his other suitors come up with bigger offers.
Last year Greg McDermott signed a BIG raise and extension with UNI, then weeks later left for Iowa State.

In the end, I don't recall any mention that Chris Lowery was ever actually interviewed for or offered any other coaching position.
That's kind of funny given how many times his name was linked to another job.
And I don't recall even once hearing Wayne McClain's name mentioned for any head coaching jobs, not even the D-II ones. Even one of the BU assistants has gotten more consideration. Anyone got an explanation?