Capel's comments fuel speculation

OU men's basketball coach Jeff Capel's comments after OU was eliminated from the NCAA tournament Sunday fueled speculation that he could be heading to South Carolina.

Monday, March 24th 2008, 5:36 pm

By: News 9

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Okla. -- OU men's basketball coach Jeff Capel's comments after OU was eliminated from the NCAA tournament Sunday fueled speculation that he could be heading to South Carolina.

"Hopefully we can work something out here at Oklahoma," Capel said during a post-game interview. "This is where I want to be."

Capel said he meant improving his contract, which now pays him $750,000 a year. South Carolina reportedly is prepared to offer him $1.5 million annually.

Speculation about Capel leaving began in January when South Carolina coach Dave Odom announced his retirement.

OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has earned a reputation for moving quickly to sweeten the contracts of coaches he wants to keep. He could do the same in this situation.
We tried to talk to Jeff Capel, Joe Castiglione and Blake Griffin. None were available Monday.