Big East Expansion: Why UCF, George O'Leary Are Safe...For Now

Don't worry Big East fans. UCF is here to stay.

We have only gone two days from what could potentially crush UCF athletics and the school's president guarantees "it is not a game changer."

If UCF hopes to stay relevant in college sports, they need this one to go their way.

According to head coach George O'Leary, one guy is to blame...

...and it isn't him.

Whether that's a good or bad thing for UCF, only time can tell.

President John Hitt Is Committed in Keeping the Program Clean

Simply stated…John Hitt isn’t happy.

UCF’s president has been a key component in his school’s move to the Big East and addressed the media this past Wednesday concerning the NCAA’s recruiting allegations.

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"This is a difficult day for me, as I'm sure it is for all of our fans. The conduct detailed by the NCAA's report falls far short of our university's standards and my own expectations for how our athletics program should operate."

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President John Hitt isn't messing around either. Once the news hit the air waves, he quickly cleaned house with the removal of athletic director Keith Tribble and assistant coach David Kelly. The school's president has seen it all. From UCF's Division I-AA football days to their hopeful future with the Big East, John Hitt has been the driving force in putting the football program on the map.

With President John Hitt making sure his school doesn't throw away its chances in becoming a BCS school, fans can be sure that everything will be just fine.

Fingers crossed.

The Big East Needs UCF

With the eventual departure of Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, the Big East needs to beef up. By adding schools like Boise State and UCF, the Big East is looking to expand its friendship to schools interested in boosting the football stature.

UCF has remained a staple of Conference USA football and has a prime-time location as well as adding high-profile talent. With a future decision on the horizon, UCF needs to shape up and not spoil a bright future. However, UCF President John Hitt ensures fans that everything is quite alright.

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"It does not delay our entry into the Big East...[we should] reach a successful conclusion."

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With the source of all the trouble being booted in the form of Keith Tribble, UCF looks to be on the right path to its future home with the Big East.

This Time It Was Basketball

Five suspended players. Two with eligibility concerns and three due to undisclosed team rules.

Two of those players include Michael Jordan's sons, Marcus and Jeff. The only player that has actively played a role in the recruiting scandal is senior point guard A.J. Rompza. President Hitt has also suspended basketball head coach Donnie Jones for three conference games.

According to football head coach George O'Leary,

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"In this situation it's one guy that caused all these people problems. One guy and not wholesale doing what you're not supposed to do. So I don't think it's a major problem or leak or anything in the program."

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UCF is now on strike two for recruiting violations and will surely be under a magnifying glass until these personnel issues are handled. Hopefully, UCF's future court hearing will clear the air and provide a clean slate.

Death penalty? Please, no.

The Big Fat Contract

100% & Nothing Less.

The mantra of George O'Leary's beginnings at UCF. In his first season as the Golden Knights head coach, his team went 0-11.

From then on, O'Leary has reshaped the young history of UCF's football program, including two Conference USA Championships, four bowl game appearances, and the school's first BCS ranking at No. 25.

Not only has the team attained new-found success, but the second largest school in the nation has grown around its proud football squad. In 2007, UCF opened its on-campus 45,000 seat stadium along with a new basketball arena and other state-of-the-art athletics facilities.

After UCF's first post-season action in 2006, George O'Leary received a contract extension. 10 years. 1.5 million dollars along with academic and on the field performance incentives. The buy-out option...5 million dollars.

A real fat one.

Whether UCF fans can stand him or not, George O'Leary is a good coach. Solid but not great. He has proved his worth. Sadly, his success has come at the hands of multiple inconsistent seasons and an inability to find permanent success. 

Fasten your seat-belts everyone. George O'Leary is here for the ride. All the way up to 2015. 

The destination: Big East.