Written by Mike Wolf(AP) Bruce Weber knows that Kansas State fans may not accept him right away. That much became clear when a small rally for another coaching candidate turned into a protest of his hiring. The former Illinois coach doesn’t have a problem with that, though. Weber is up for any challenge.
The former Illinois coach was hired by Kansas State on Saturday to replace Frank Martin, whose departure for South Carolina earlier in the week sent shockwaves through the program. The school moved quickly on the hiring, reaching out to Weber in the last few days and finalizing a deal late Friday.
Weber agreed to a five-year, $8.5 million contract that will pay him $1.5 million next season and an additional $100,000 each remaining year. There are also several benefits.
“It’s been a whirlwind, to be honest. Just a few hours ago I was in New Orleans thinking I was going to have gumbo,” said Weber, who was attending the Final Four before hopping on a plane with Kansas State athletic director John Currie and heading to Kansas on Saturday.
Good for Bruce Weber getting K-State job. And good for K-State—though its fans might not realize it yet. They will. Good coach, good guy.—
Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) March 31, 2012
Bruce Weber is great fit for #K-State. Blue-collar, no-frills school like #Purdue where overachieving with 3-star players is valued. #Illini—
Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) March 31, 2012
Bruce Webber didn't think I was good enough to play at Illinois and I don't think he is good enough to coach at Kansas State—
Jacob Pullen (@Jpullz0) March 31, 2012
I support kstate for life no matter what but I'm not a Bruce Webber fan and I think Kstate can do a lot better—
Jacob Pullen (@Jpullz0) March 31, 2012
Gene Keady on K-State's hiring of Bruce Weber: "I couldn't be more excited. And it's my alma mater. Maybe I'll give them some money now."—
Paul Klee (@PKlee_IlliniHQ) March 31, 2012
On paper, Bruce Weber is a much better hire now than Frank Martin was in 2007. If he hires a top recruiter, he's fine—
Gregg Doyel (@greggdoyelcbs) March 31, 2012
