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We interrupt the Ernie Kent news cycle to bring you some interesting football news: The U.S. Department of Education released FY2018 revenue numbers, and during the 2017 season (the most recent numbers), your Washington State Cougars brought in $41.7 million and turned a $21.7 million profit. Cha-ching!
That number was good for 45th out of 65 power 5 teams (plus Notre Dame). Washington State was 9th among Pac-12 teams, ahead of UCLA, Oregon State and Cal. The Washington Huskies were tops in the Pac-12, bringing in $81.1 million and $42.4 million in profit.
The Texas Longhorns were the revenue leader in all of college football, and not by a little. The Longhorns posted revenues of $141.3 million in 2017. That figure was $14.1 million more than the Georgia Bulldogs, who came in at no. 2. Texas turned in a $101.8 million profit. You do you, Longhorn fans.
So, what does this all tell us? That’s a matter of perspective of course, but to me it was a reminder that the costs to run a P5 football program are immense (also, each school reports numbers differently, so keep that in mind). Each time someone asks why we have to pay Mike Leach millions of dollars each year, point to these numbers. If you were in charge of your department at work and helped bring in $40+ million in one year, you’d be worth millions of dollars too.
This doesn’t even get into the residual impact successful college football programs have on their schools and their communities. That’s a post for another day, but many top college football coaches could claim to be underpaid, given the impact they’ve had on their universities (Nick Saban, for one).
Like it or not, college football is big business. Washington State turned in impressive numbers on their own, but there is more to be done.
Football
Which are the richest and poorest Power Five college football programs? Here are all 65, ranked bottom to top - pennlive.com
For the first time, Penn State football amassed $100M in gross revenue in 2017-18, but where does that rank among the monetary heavy-hitters?
How a young coordinator is reviving Oklahoma's defense through focus, effort and candy bars - CBSSports.com
Alex Grinch looks to improve a defense that has held the Sooners back over the last few seasons
25 Things for Spring: The college football names, battles and storylines you need to know - CBSSports.com
From Trevor Lawrence to a new Transfer U, there's plenty to go over before 2019 spring practice begins
The most dynamic game-breaker on each Top 25 team | ESPN.com
The Cougars have a number of talented receivers coming back from their 11-win team, but their most dangerous player with the ball in his hands is running back Max Borghi.
Basketball
Next in line: A breakdown of 10 candidates to replace Ernie Kent as Washington State’s basketball coach | The Spokesman-Review
We break down 10 possible candidates who could replace Ernie Kent and use a 1-5 scale to rate how likely it is they’ll become Washington State’s next coach.
John Blanchette: After split with Ernie Kent, red flags still surround men’s hoops job at Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
Hiring Ernie Kent was tired thinking on the part of Chun’s predecessor, Bill Moos; he couldn’t have done any worse taking a flyer on a younger, cheaper comer. Constantly rolling over the coach’s contract, meanwhile, was pure cronyism.
Grip on Sports: The Cougars decide to pay now for the last five years instead of waiting any longer | The Spokesman-Review
A GRIP ON SPORTS • Washington State made a change in its basketball program leadership yesterday. Bit the $4.2 million artillery shell and fired head coach Ernie Kent. At least when we miss, we miss big. Read on.
Baseball
Final from Tempe in the series opener.
— Washington State Baseball (@Cougbaseball) March 16, 2019
The series continues Saturday at 6 p.m. on the Pac-12 Network.#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/PKA91mfmXZ