Amid speculation that he was in the running for the Michigan, Arkansas and Iowa coaching positions, Chris Lowrey agreed to a contract extension with Southern Illinois. SIU will pay Lowrey $750,000 per year for seven years.
That's huge.
Southern Illinois University is a cash-strapped institution. Their basketball team competes in the Missouri Valley Conference (a mid-major, non BCS conference). They're a mid-major. To prevent Lowrey from bolting to greener pastures, and to reward him with such a lucrative deal is an enormous commitment for the SIU administration.
Southern Illinois is making a statement. They have made six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and have been to two Sweet Sixteens in the last five years. By retaining Lowrey (and paying so much to do so), SIU is saying that they plan on being major.
Unfortunately, Jamaal Tatum and Tony Young graduate this year. Next year will be a rebuilding season for the Salukis. Chris Lowrey was a hot coaching prospect this year. His stock was soaring after the Sweet Sixteen run. If Southern Illinois falters in the upcoming seasons, Lowrey may regret his decision to stay in Carbondale. Up and coming coaches have a small window to be upwardly mobile. They've got to strike while the iron's hot. Here's to hoping that Lowrey made the right decision.
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