Petersen's Contract: The "Woodward Clause"

"Under one provision, Petersen would get a one-year extension if Woodward is no longer the athletic director." Seattle Times

This is open to several different interpretations, and I would be interested in thoughts from the bored. One is that Petersen likes the idea of working for Woodward and is concerned about any new AD; possibly the kind hired by the infamous "Student/Faculty Committee". It "automatically extends" his contract one year if Woodward leaves. If Woodward left tomorrow, Petersen would automatically have a 6 year contract. Assuming that Woodward is happy with Petersen, and extends his contract on a regular basis, Petersen would have a 6 year contract handed to any "new" AD.

Another, is that Woodward could extend Petersen to a "refreshed" five-year contract just before he leaves, is forced out, whatever. Then it becomes a six-year deal, the day he leaves.

This appears to address the Babs/Gerberding v. Don James issue of 1993. I don't remember what Coach James' contract said in 1993, but by resigning, he likely saved Babs/Gerberding a shit-load of money. As Derek knows, Coach James had some regrets about resigning. Had he known that he might outlast "The Gerb" with a 6 year contract, he might have stayed.

Nice claws.

HTH/GFY/DB's/FU/DIAFF/SIUYA/CHIRP/GAYLORD