Poll Recap: OSU Fans Not Ready to Restructure Boynton’s Contract

While the Cowboys’ season isn’t over yet, it’s not too early to start discussing the future, especially when it pertains to head coach Mike Boynton.

There’s no question, that OSU has exceeded expectations. No, not necessarily with their record, but no one could have guessed this team would have road wins against Kansas and West Virginia. For a first time head coach, that’s impressive.

Which leads us to this week’s poll question: Should OSU restructure Boynton’s contract? (I should note that these responses were collected before the 10-point KSU loss at home on Wednesday)

Is after the 2017-18 season too early to restructure Mike Boynton's contract for more years/money? (contract is currently 5 years/$6 million)

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) February 13, 2018

Fans were heavily on the side of saying “it’s too early.” While the comments mostly echoed that, they did seem to be a bit more nuanced in their belief.

“I’m all for a raise, although I don’t think we should extend him beyond five years, not yet, and probably not ever. Five years is a LONG time and a lot can change. I’m good with something like 5 years/10 million for now” -Let’s Be Real

“He has to recruit first. At the moment there is no evidence that can happen. It does look like Boynton was the magic behind Underwood doesn’t it?” -Chris Saxon

“Sane people are actually for giving a guy a raise who more likely than not won’t make the tournament? What a sad, pathetic state OSU basketball is in.” -Nate

“Need another year. Let’s see how he recruits this next season and develops the young guys he gets. Then we can talk contract.” -Kyle Stevens

“To early to go to to crazy, wouldn’t mind a little bump” – Shannon Edwards

“I just don’t want what happened with Underwood to repeat itself here in terms of university perception. I felt like the athletic department came off as seeming cheap and then doubled down on that sentiment with how the Boynton hire initially was perceived. We don’t need to give him a Travis Ford-sized contract in terms of dollars or years, just recognize the issues he has dealt with (FBI, staff turnover, player dismissal) while recording four good/great wins. Give him a bump in pay, increase bonus payout for number of wins and tournament wins, crank the buyout value up a lot, and keep the contract at five years.” -Darth

I’m personally on the side of “give the guy more money but don’t extend his contract.” Look, I don’t think he’s going to take off for another job this offseason if you don’t pay him more. I also don’t think an Illinois-like school is going to come offer him a crazy contract.

However, I do think with what he’s done so far at OSU, it’s worth showing your appreciation by giving the man a pay bump. For one thing, it shows a commitment to a guy that fans like and that “experts” are acknowledging seems to know what he’s doing.

Some suggested upping the contract to 5 years/$10 million. I think that’s fair, and is exactly what I would do at the end of the season if I was Chad Weiberg Mike Holder.

I get it. The Cowboys likely aren’t making the NCAA tournament, and so far he hasn’t landed “a guy.” But it’s worth showing some more faith in him for what he’s done in year one.