O’Leary shuts down contract rumor

UCF coach George O’Leary knocked down long-standing rumors his contract contained language designating a head-coach-in-waiting when pressed by WKMG’s Channel 6 at his Monday news conference.

When reporter Mike Holfeld asked O’Leary if there were clauses in his contract that addressed the future coaching staff, O’Leary repeatedly said no.

“No there isn’t. That’s why it’s my contract,” O’Leary laughed. “I worry about me.”

UCF has declined to release O’Leary’s contract on numerous occasions, including an Orlando Sentinel request in May. The school has not indicated why it has not responded to the Sentinel’s information request.

In the past, O’Leary has touted offensive coordinator Brent Key as a strong candidate for his job whenever the head coach retires. Some had suggested O’Leary’s contract included provisions formally putting Key in line for the head coaching job, but the coach’s responses Monday indicate those theories were incorrect.

Kickoff time for UCF’s Oct. 31 road contest against Cincinnati has been set for noon. ESPNews will broadcast the game.

This will be the first meeting between the football programs in school history. Last year, Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville said he looked forward to competing against UCF one day. Tuberville and O’Leary each has 35-plus years of coaching experience and their respective schools each took a piece of the league title last season .

Next game: UCF vs. Houston, noon Saturday, ESPNews