By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Moments after the University of Cincinnati's comeback bid fell short in a 43-40 loss to Louisville on Friday, UC football coach Rick Minter said he has every intention of returning next year for his 11th season as head coach.

"I don't plan on not being here," Minter said, "until somebody tells me different. I've got a long-term contract. ... We're going full-speed ahead."

UC's loss left the Bearcats at 5-7, their first losing season since 1999 and third in the last six years.

After beginning the season with three wins, Minter has been criticized by some UC fans who want him to be fired in light of the Bearcats' 2-7 finish. Athletic director Bob Goin has said only that he will evaluate Minter and the program after the season has ended. That process is expected to take place next week.

Minter, 53-63-1 at UC, has three years left on his contract. He has guided the Bearcats to four bowl games and one Conference USA co-championship.

"They fire coaches over not winning," Minter said. "Hell, they fire coaches today that are winning. That's how insane the business has become. If somebody out there with authority decides that I'm not the guy for the job, they'll let me know.

"I answer to one man (Goin) and one lady (UC president Nancy Zimpher) and when they jointly decide that no longer do they need Rick Minter here, that's when my termination will occur. I'm a hard-working coach. We've got a trustworthy administration. They'll deal with me honestly. I trust that they'll do that."

Minter pointed out that the Bearcats were a young team this year that was faced with replacing several talented players.

"Nobody in our league lost the production off their team the way we lost off of our team," he said. "I'm talking about career leaders at this school. I'm talking about field goals, sacks, interceptions, touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, career receptions and yardage, career starts in the offensive line.

"We showed up this year to play with a bunch of new guys and we just didn't quite get it done, but we were ever so close to being a good team."

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com