<!sean>
Sept. 9, 1997
"Restructured Contract" Allows Willingham, Stanford to Commit to Future of Football Program
For Stanford University and its head football coach Tyrone Willingham, the ideal of maintaining a long-term commitment became more of a reality after today's announcement by Athletic Director Ted Leland.
Leland, who hired Willingham in December, 1995, said today that the University and Willingham have agreed to a "restructured contract. With this agreement, it is our intent to keep Tyrone Willingham as the head football coach at Stanford University for years to come," Leland said.
"Our goal at Stanford University is to combine outstanding academics and athletics with a genuine care for the student-athlete," said Leland. "We feel we have found the man who believes in these core values and demonstrates the ability to bring out the best in our student-athletes," he said.
The length of Willingham's contract does not change. His current six-year contract runs through the 2001 season.
Willingham, now in his third year as Stanford's head football coach, described his feelings about the restructured contract in two words: excited and appreciative.
"I am both excited and appreciative that the University deemed it appropriate to step in at this time and provide the means for stability for the Stanford football program. The opportunity for the Stanford football program to have that stability is a key ingredient in building a successful program," he said.
"It has been proven that when programs are given the opportunity to maintain stability, then they can excel. I am very pleased to be making a joint commitment with Stanford University to take our football program into the future," Willingham said.
Today's announcement by Leland comes at a time when Willingham's reputation as one of the finest young head coaches in the nation has given rise to speculation about his future at Stanford. The restructured contract announced today is a program of incentives that will allow Willingham to continue in his role as Stanford's head football coach well into the future.
"We know that Tyrone Willingham is one of the finest head coaches in the country," said Leland. "And because of the nature of the coaching profession, he will be offered opportunities to coach elsewhere, both in college and in the NFL. What we are saying to Tyrone through this compensation package is that we think you're the man we want to lead our football program into the future."
Leland emphasized the commitment the University has made to the football program in the last few years, including renovations to Stanford Stadium, a new football practice facility, increased support staff, upgrading the Varsity Weight Room, new video equipment and new offices and meeting rooms in the Arrillaga Family Sports Center.
"The key to our program now is leadership and stability and we think this helps us accomplish those goals, which include commiting ourselves to he future development of the football program and continuing our effort in making improvements."
Willingham led Stanford to a 7-4-1 record and a berth in the Liberty Bowl in his first season as Stanford's head coach in 1995. He was named the Pacific-10 Conference Coach of the Year. Last year, his team went 7-5 and beat Michigan State 38-0 in the Sun Bowl. Stanford is 1-0 in '97 and currently ranked 17th in the nation.
"Tyrone is our kind of coach," said Leland, "and this restructured contract allows him to continue his commitment to Stanford University and our student-athletes for years to come."