It's not that simple this year. Basically at the end of this year, you either have to cut ties or extend Hazell. So you either swallow 1 year's pay or risk multiple years pay (and poor revenue) if next year doesn't work out.
Ideal situation, we don't have to have this discussion. I certainly don't see a "wow" season coming our way - but there's a lot of gray area in terms of what will be considered a successful season that warrants an extension. Keep in mind that in Danny Hope's 3rd year, we won 6 regular season games and won our bowl game. I'd be somewhat surprised that an extension is made if we don't reach a bowl game - particularly with revenues at such a low. If we were doing ok with football ticket revenue and not doing well, then I could see an extension without reaching a bowl game. But clearly fans have not bought into Hazell.