Bryan Hodgson turns down Syracuse and what It could mean for USF

About three weeks ago, a good friend who is well connected in college basketball told me that there was a great chance that USF basketball coach Bryan Hodgson would leave the Bulls for Syracuse.

Well, it made sense. He was raised in upstate New York, has family there, and Syracuse is -- well, used to be -- an iconic brand name in the sport.

We also know that the 'Cuse really wanted Hodgson,

But as the song writer said, the times they are a'changing.

The news broke Tuesday night that Hodgson said no to Syracuse. That was huge. Basketball insider Jeff Goodman reported Hodgson could still be in play for the vacant Providence job, but an item in his tweet about that resounded like thunder.

"It is likely that Hodgson will decide between Providence and staying with the Bulls - who have put together a lucrative financial package similar to what Josh Schertz received at Saint Louis in an attempt to get him to stay in Tampa.

Yes, indeed. USF didn't just roll over and shrug about losing a tremendous head coach. This ain't the same ol' South Florida,

While all the Syracise noise was bubbling, it seemed generally assumed that Hodgson's departure was imminent because, well, why wouldn't he? If USF gets a top-shelf coach, he/she will depart as soon as the more traditional programs decide he/she is ready for the "big time."

Anyone believing that needs to be briefed on what's happening on Fowler Avenue.

It starts with CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins. He is a rolling ball of knives for the Bulls, Mr. All Gas, No Brakes. When Higgins led the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, he helped bring two Super Bowls, a College Football Playoff National Championship, Frozen Fours, Women's Final Fours, and a lengthy list of other high-profile events to Tampa.

Not only does Higgins -- a USF grad, by the way -- have nationwide contacts, he knows the business side of things inside and out. He and the USF trustee board understand that it takes vision and money to compete at the level they all want.

The vision is there.

And what's encouraging about the current situation with Hodgson is that the money is there too.

Maybe Hodgson eventually goes to Providence. Itr's certainly a good job with a high ceiling.

But so is the job he currently has. Not enough people understand that.

On Thursday afternoon, the Hodgson-led Bulls will face Louisville in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Bulls Nation would hope that joyous event would be accompanied by the news of a reworked contract extension for the coach who led them there.

But no matter how this ends, the world of college athletics needs to get one thing through its collective head.

The University of South Florida is no longer a sleeping giant. Bulls Nation is wide awake and ready to play on all levels.