Just a few short months ago, Head Coach Oliver Purnell flew on a corporate jet to interview for the Univ. Virginia head coaching vacancy. As it turns out, former Xavier and Providence skipper Pete Gillen got the job. Shortly thereafter, Clemson and Iowa State were mentioned as possible candidates for Purnell’s services. But after this week’s agreement between UD and Purnell, other schools may find it as difficult as ever to snag the rising star in college coaching.

While specific terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed, the agreement is believed to be a 10-year contract that addresses Purnell’s emphasis on financial security for his family. Those close to the source believe the agreement uses several innovative financial incentives and fiscal models to answer Purnell’s request that go above and beyond the coach’s current base salary of approximately $300,000/year. Both sides are happy to ink a long-term relationship and feel it is a strong indicator of both party’s willingness to make the Dayton basketball program one of the nation’s finest.

Purnell stated once again that he loves the University of Dayton, the student-athletes, and the community, and wishes to remain here for a very long time. UD Athletic Director Ted Kissel and President Bro. Raymond Fitz have both attempted to make proactive choices with their mens’ basketball coach, making it hard for Purnell to walk away from and even harder for prospective schools to afford the luxury of coaxing Purnell away from the Flyers.

Among speculation about the agreement, it is believed that the contract may include stock options and/or incentives for team performance. However, the contract does not mean that Purnell cannot resign, take another head coaching position, interview for other jobs, or be fired. Instead it rewards Purnell for continuing to be the Flyers’ head man and may also contain an excerpt frequently categorized as a “Behavior Clause.” While most can only speculate at the specifics though, one thing is certain: the University of Dayton has made a strong statement that Oliver Purnell and the Flyer community is a match worth fighting for. This is a significant step for both parties to ensure Dayton basketball has the best chance to succeed on and off the court.

Before arriving at Dayton, Purnell resurrected programs at Radford and Old Dominion, and was recently named A-10 Coach of the Year. Purnell won similar awards at his two prior stops, and may be the first coach in the country to win the award in three separate conferences.