First of all I don't think his tournament record is anything to hold against him. We have only been D1 for 17 years. The simple fact that he has been to 7 in our brief history is amazing. The vast majority of mid major programs, many of which have been D1 for 30+ years haven't had half the success that CRB has.

Second...I do think he is comfortable at BU and it would be him turning down UT rather than them opting out of hiring Byrd. He is compensated very well and I would not be hesitant to say that he is one of the top paid mid major coaches in the nation. It is my understanding that he makes around 900k a year and I'm sure Belmont would counter UTs offer to over a mill. Belmont is Ricks university. We are on the cusp of being a sweet sixteen in my opinion and I truly believe that by 2016 we will have achieved a run of that type or more. His home is in Nashville, his friends and family are in Nashville, and the kids he wants to coach are at Belmont University. He believes this program is the next Gonzaga, Butler, or VCU. We have a very talented team and probably two of the most highly touted recruits in BU history. I think at his age, with his history and love for this city of Nashville and how close we are to taking it to the next level, Rick Byrd would choose to end his career at BU.

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