Syracuse signs Dino Babers to ‘long-term’ contract extension

Ever since the Syracuse Orange secured bowl eligibility back in October, #PAYDINO has been very top-of-mind. To little surprise, it was a pretty important task for both SU Athletics and Dino Babers as well:

Syracuse is a private school, so we’re not getting any details on the financials, but obviously this adds more years and dollars to the contract that was already in place. For what it’s worth, Babers sounds like a pretty happy guy in the press release:

“A little over three years ago, I arrived at Syracuse University inspired by the great opportunity to coach at an institution with such a rich football legacy, hungry student-athletes, good facilities and a storied tradition of academic distinction. It was a true honor to have accepted the head coach position then and I consider it a privilege today to be able to extend my time coaching at Syracuse. I am grateful to have the support, faith and trust of University leaders, the Orange community, our student-athletes and our fans. I am excited about what the future holds for Syracuse Football and look forward to our continued improvement and growth.”

Thankfully, Syracuse also considered it a privilege to have Dino, so he’s now set financially for at least another few years. That doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t go anywhere should a big school come calling next year. But obviously any increase in years and money negotiated here also brings a nice bump in buyout with it. So if for some reason Babers did leave soon — and we hope that’s not the case — it’ll at least set the Orange up well with plenty of money to make the next hire.

Chancellor Kent Syverud seems pretty enthused, too:

“Dino’s energy – both on and off the field – is palpable, and his impact on Syracuse Football, and in particular on the student-athletes he coaches, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Syracuse University is proud to have Dino leading Syracuse Football. I am confident we will continue to see great things from him, his staff and our student-athletes.”

The energy part of things is really the key for Babers, especially when paired with the uptick in the win column. Following two injury-plagued 4-8 seasons to start his time at Syracuse, the Orange went 9-3 this past year and earned a trip to the Camping World Bowl against West Virginia. They’re now on the cusp of the program’s first 10-win season since 2001.

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

As SU’s tweet mentions, Dino asked for “belief without evidence” when he first arrived. We started scratching the surface on what he was building with upsets over Virginia Tech (2016) and Clemson (2017). But it was this season that showed exactly what was being built at SU. Now that he’s proven this thing works, the potentially harder part begins: Keeping it all going.

Congrats to Babers on getting his well-earned extension and to Syracuse for getting this important contract in place before next season. Looking forward to what’s to come, for however long Dino is on the sidelines here with the Orange.