I am in the camp that we already have our guy......that being said, with the possibility of new coaching positions opening up, how do contracts work in this regard? Example, if Orsini and Shula had come to an agreement a couple of weeks ago, but he is still under Baltimore's contract, could he have legally signed something with us, or does it have to just be a verbal agreement for now which he could back out of and go to a more attractive offer now that more head jobs are opening up.....
Depends on whether his Baltimore agreement precludes it.
Even if it does, he would simply be in breach (or little breach) of his Baltimore contract and the contract would control the 'penalties' each side would be subject to - which probably would be nil.
if negotiations are not properly handled there is potential for a tort-not just a breach of contract- as in tortious interference with contract and/or business relations. It would be fact specific so no use speculating. Torts potentially include not just breach of contract damages but punitive damages as well.
I don't think there is a conceivable claim for tortious interference. These contracts have out clauses. Coaches can terminate them at any time. It is not tortious interference to discuss with a coach his exercising his right to terminate under an agreement.
