The deal was essentially done before he got here...
Benedict Makes Statement With Diaco Extension
>>Benedict didn't
need to extend Diaco, even though Bob had received some interest from other schools. Mike Anthony of the Hartford Courant reports that Warde Manuel began contract extension conversations
with Diaco in early-December. While Benedict makes it seem like he inherited a nearly done deal, he certainly didn't need to complete it. It was his decision to make, and if he chose not to it wouldn't have been the first time a new athletic director flexed his muscle in the interest of bringing in his own hand-picked coach- especially for what is the most important athletic program with regards to conference realignment.<<
I agree w/ the article that he had the authority per se and could have nixed it but I'm sure he had strong "advise" at the time to get it done and move on. It is now incumbent on him to raise the money if he feels strongly that a change needs to be made after year three.