UTSA football coach Jeff Traylor said Wednesday that speculation about his candidacy for the open job at Baylor is both a blessing and a curse. Traylor said his players and fans are used to hearing such talk. He said the reports reflect the team's success, including seven straight years of sustained success in the Group of Six.
Traylor said UTSA needs more resources for the football program. The school spent roughly $4 million on revenue sharing payments for this year's roster, which trails the top level of the American Conference. A covered practice pavilion that has been planned since the RACE project began in 2018 is still awaiting construction. Traylor said he regularly discusses these needs with athletic director Lisa Campos and UTSA president Taylor Eighmy, and he said Campos is working hard to deliver.
Asked whether the threat of his leaving could create leverage for more investment, Traylor said he did not like the word and said the school's motives are pure. Traylor signed a 10-year, $28 million contract extension in October 2021 that runs through the 2031 season. If he leaves before Dec. 31, UTSA would be owed a $4 million buyout, according to the report.