Editor's Note: This is the second part in a two-part series examining the details of Frank Solich's contract and the events that preceded his hiring.
One of college football's most prominent names touched down in Columbus, Ohio Nov. 30, ready to secure a new football coach for a struggling program.
The next day, Chuck Neinas made the 90-minute drive southeast from the state's capital to help Ohio put a face on its program. A week-and-a-half later, Neinas left Athens, with coach Frank Solich all but locked up.
Ohio University was very interested and wanted Frank Solich
Neinas said. And Frank Solich was very happy because he wanted to be involved with someone who wanted him. It was really a good fit for both sides.
Slated as the 10th-most influential man in college football by Sports Illustrated in 2003, Neinas is now dedicated to providing consulting services to universities in search of new football coaches and athletic directors. And as a former commissioner of the Big Eight Conference and long-time friend of Solich, Neinas' hire came as an easy choice for Ohio.
(Director of Athletics Thomas) Boeh suggested that we have a consultant to work with us President Roderick McDavis said. We asked about three companies to send us proposals and Mr. Neinas was one of those. Because of his national reputation
we selected him to work with us.
What perhaps made the decision easier for Ohio was the reduced rate Neinas was willing to work for. According to the university's contract, Ohio paid $20,000 for Neinas' services. Normally, Neinas' fee sits at $30,000. The only other expenses that had to be paid were for travel, which amounted to about $1,350.
The budget for Ohio University is considerably less than a number of the clients that I have
including just this year
Neinas said. So I thought it was only fair to do it for a reduced fee.
This was not the only time Neinas was willing to work for a reduced fee. When Texas was looking for a new head coach following the 1997 season, Neinas worked with Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds in the hiring of head coach Mack Brown. Dodds said Neinas worked as a consultant, but was never officially hired by the university and, thus, never received money for his work.
He is my friend
Dodds said. I didn't know Mack very well
and he did
so he just helped us get to know each other and helped in the process. ... He was very instrumental in helping us get Mack
but we did not pay him.
Within the past month, however, at least five other schools did solicit Neinas for hire. Neinas consulted with Florida, Washington, Louisiana State, Indiana and Pittsburgh during December and January to help find potential candidates, a testament to the influence he carries in the sport. As a member of the American Football Coaches Association and former College Football Associate Executive Director, Neinas is always penciled in at the top of any university's list when looking for a consultant.
He knows almost everyone in our business
Dodds said. He knows most every AD. He knows most every football coach. And he has a passion for football
