Long Beach State Considers Counteroffer to Retain O’Brien

Long Beach State officials, concerned that Athletic Director Dave O’Brien will be offered the same post at William & Mary College, are already considering counteroffers in an attempt to dissuade him from leaving, several sources said Thursday.

Long Beach President Robert Maxson has confided in associates that he will attempt to upgrade O’Brien’s contract if William & Mary makes O’Brien an offer. Budgetary constraints will probably prevent Maxson from offering O’Brien a large pay increase.

However, Maxson does have flexibility in providing O’Brien perks that could substantially improve his overall compensation package. A long-term contract might be part of the deal.

The popular athletic director, among those responsible for a resurgence in Long Beach athletics, has been in Williamsburg, Va., since Saturday while interviewing with William & Mary officials. O’Brien, 39, is one of six candidates for the position, and he was the fifth of the six finalists to be interviewed.

However, a source close to O’Brien said he would not have made the trip unless “it was his job to lose.”

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The Seattle Seahawks, who are trying to move to Southern California, are considering establishing a preseason training facility at Long Beach State, officials said.

Long Beach is among eight to 10 Southern California schools negotiating with the Seahawks.