D1.ticker - News from Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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Texas Tech & New Mexico State with key openings listed below in D1.jobs.

New 1.Question Below: Greg McGarity / Athletic Director / Georgia (part II)

North Carolina Governor Cooper is again pushing for a repeal of HB2. "House Bill 2 doesn't do anything to protect anybody. This proposal protects all kinds of people in public restrooms and dressing rooms, and it sends a strong signal that the state is not going to tolerate these crimes. […] February needs to be the month that we get this done. It may be too late otherwise." However, Representative & House Rules Committee chair Lewis: "Despite what the governor has said, I don’t at the moment count 61 votes in the House, so I don’t know how we get to that number." (link); News & Observer sports columnist DeCock: "Last-chance HB2 repeal proposal. As far as the NCAA and ACC are concerned, this is it, folks." (link)

Stanford AD Muir with an in-depth Q&A, starts by noting there's always room for improvement even as the Cardinal continue to excel in the Learfield Directors' Cup, like many others around the nation says there's financial pressure to balance his budget, points to FB season tix pricing changes to only impact 10% of the stadium & bring rates closer to the Pac-12 median, reiterates "sexual violence is not tolerated at Stanford" & that student-athletes don't get a pass. Further, likes access to pro ball rules in Baseball, but doesn't think the same structure is in the cards for Basketball, calls the current four-team CFP setup "compelling," says he's "quietly getting ready to take the next step" for Baseball HC Marquess' looming retirement, hopes FB boss Shaw is in Palo Alto "for a long stretch." (link)

Memphis boss Bowen does the same dance with The Commercial Appeal, says there will be an adjustment on MBB ticket prices, attendance this season is tracking ahead of projections, egress traffic at the Liberty Bowl is top of mind & a key fan pain point, wants to construct a better home MBB schedule in the future, but notes the challenges of filling a quota for games (18) in the Forum. On the FB front, "Keep increasing your paid attendance. That’s really the key for us. The only thing that upsets me the most about this whole conference is that nobody really travels. When we go to Tulane, we sell a lot of tickets. I’m in a conference where, if you have a conference opponent coming, they’re not going to bring a lot of people." (link)

Just in time for March Madness, Wendy's has signed on as an NCAA corporate sponsor, filling the space vacated by Burger King, and adding to its college sports portfolio that also includes the Wooden Award and the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show. Neither terms of the deal nor Wendy's anticipated level of ground activation in Phoenix were disclosed. Chief Concept & Marketing Officer Kane is running point on the deal. (link)

CBSSports.com's Solomon: Targeting penalties & ejections are up. 144, to be exact, in 2016, against 72 back in 2014, in light of new rules & consequences for illegal hits. NCAA Assoc. Director Halpin calls ejecting a student-athlete "a pretty expensive deal," National Officiating Coordinator Redding sees changes in on-field behavior despite penalty numbers being up, AFCA Executive Director Berry points to consistency questions among his members. A rules change could see a student-athlete stay in the game if there's not enough video evidence to confirm the targeting call, though the 15-yard mark-off would stand. More. (link)

Utah's FY16 produced revenue of $79.4M against an expectation of $68M & up $17M+ from the $62.4M generated for the year prior. The total marks the sixth consecutive year the Utes have set a new department revenue record. Assoc. AD for Business/CFO Smith: "It was a very pleasant surprise. We did really well in ticket sales, conference (allotment) was pretty good, media rights — we had a little bump in our Pac-12 Network that we didn’t expect, so those were some positives. … I'd say $79 (million) was definitely a surprise." $16.98M in ticket sales (+$3.9M), $8.5M in donations (+$591K), $10.2M in student fees, $23.9M from the Pac-12, more. Expenses also up sharply to $78.1M in total with coaches salaries & benefits leading the way at $15.43M. The Utes also spent $6.47M in debt services. Lots more, including the push for a new Baseball stadium & an expectation of a $72.4M budget for FY17. (link)

From Michigan State AD Hollis' letter to Women's Gymnastics HC Klages on her suspension stemming from the sexual abuse allegations surrounding team doctor Nassar, "While I acknowledge you provided student-athletes with information about reporting to the Office of Institutional Equity, your passionate defense of Dr. Nassar created an emotionally charged environment for the team. That has not abated and my concerns led me to suspend you with pay. You have since notified me that after thoughtful consideration of all the circumstances, you intend to retire from your coaching position effective immediately. You have also assured me that you will continue to cooperate." (link)

Interesting sounding piece from former Cincinnati/Texas Tech/Auburn/Ole Miss FB HC Tuberville, who looks to be writing for/with Auburn Undercover, the 247Sports outlet covering the Tigers. Unfortunately, the meat is behind a paywall, but the title reads "Inside the hiring, firing of coaches," with a teaser line of, "The process of hiring and firing of coaches has changed over the years, but the situations have not evolved drastically in my years as a head coach." (link)

Princeton professor Lidow contributes to the Harvard Business Review: "A Better Way to Set Strategic Priorities." Cautions against ranking priorities, as "it can be tremendously demotivating to managers to be assigned a rank, and it all but guarantees dissension and turf wars among team members." Instead, look at objectives, resources and timing to establish three types of priorities: 1. critical - must be accomplished in a given time frame and calls for all the resources requested; 2. important - an effort that can have a significant positive impact on performance and generally has fixed resources; and 3. desirable - accomplished only when time and resources are available. Suggests a four-step process: 1. List resources; 2. Add projects, improvements or initiatives; 3. Allocate resources; and 4. Decide on one or two critical projects. All told, "The transparent allocation of resources and the specifying of responses to changed conditions align the team and head off dissension. Managers no longer feel that giving up resources reduces their status. They are playing an essential role in executing a critical priority." (link)

The NBA & Gatorade have reached a deal that will see the D-League rebranded as the G-League. Technically, it'll be the "NBA Gatorade League," with an expectation of Gatorade paying the NBA for the naming rights, though access & alignment to Gatorade's Sports Science Institute is a big piece of the deal. Sports Illustrated's McCann runs down 12 key points on the relationship, including a branding win for the league, making the on-court product more marketable alongside such a prominent partner, and wonders if the change will make the option more enticing for prospective student-athletes to skip college. (link)

presented by Anthony Travel

Northern Iowa Prez Nook explains his view of athletics and its relationship to the university, saying that "athletics is essential, but it’s not core." Acknowledges that athletics will be the first impression that most people get of UNI, necessitating that "we have to run athletics with a high degree of integrity." Ponders a day when general fund dollars ($4.3M in 2016-17) aren't necessary to support athletics "because we’ve got a strong enough donor base, a strong enough marketing program through TV contracts and other revenues that we can fully support athletics on its own," although notes that that day is well down the road. Also emphasizes the importance of exposure provided by the MVC toward recruiting of students in seven other regional states (link)

Bells & Buildings: Georgia's Sanford Stadium will see $63M worth of upgrades in a project that will start after this May's commencement. A new home locker room, a recruiting pavilion & a plaza that connects to Sanford bridge are the focal points. 17-month construction timeline. A new scoreboard will measure 100x52 & be the "best available" per AD McGarity. $53M expected to come from private gifts & $10M from reserves. (link); UGA's new indoor FB venue is officially open. (link); Miami (FL) AD James says the Canes have raised $31M for a new indoor FB facility, $3M more to go to start moving dirt. (link); Villanova Board of Trustees approved a $60M renovation of The Pavilion, with design help from EwingCole, that is expected to be completed in time for the 2018-19 hoops season (link); South Carolina FB HC Muschamp revealed that the planned FB ops facility will include an arcade, a movie theater, and a barber's chair, among other amenities. (link); Cal Poly Baseball will begin construction on its new $7.6M Baseball clubhouse this summer. DLR Group assisting. (link); Texas Tech Softball will get a new scoreboard at Rocky Johnson Field (13.5x24.33). (link)

HC notes: More smoke from Raleigh as the Sporting News' DeCourcy is the latest to report NC State has started to reach-out to potential new MBB HCs. Senior Assoc. AD for Communications & Brand Management Demarest once again says it's not true. Current Wolfpack HC Gottfried indicates he's simply focused on getting his squad to the NCAA Tourney. (link); Southern Miss WBB HC Lee-McNelis will take an indefinite leave of absence for personal health reasons. "I am really proud of how this team has over achieved this year and how they’d fought extremely hard. In return, I will have the same fight as I face this adversity over the next few weeks. I know that God is in control and, with the prayers of many, good things will come." (link)

The CIT announces a selection committee of 10 ADs tasked with choosing the 32-team field. UC Davis' Blue, Jackson State's Brown, Cal State Fullerton's Donovan, South Alabama's Erdmann, Fort Wayne's Hartley Hutton, NJIT's Kaplan, Hampton's Marshall, VCU's McLaughlin, Loyola (MD)'s Paquette & Columbia's Pilling. Additionally, Facebook Live will be the broadcast home for all first, second & quarterfinal CIT match-ups streamed via the growing platform. Semifinals & the Championship game will continue to be on CBS Sports. College Insider, Inc. Prez Dwyer: "The vast majority of people who watch college sports have a Facebook account. If they don’t, they can easily create an account and begin watching. That option isn’t always available if events are broadcast on traditional television. We have a great event, which can now be seen by a much greater audience." (link, link)

Profile piece on Wisconsin Senior Assoc. AD for Sports Administration/SWA Gawlik and her work with Title IX, which she describes as "equality in terms of representation in specific to athletics, that you represent the folks that participate in your sports." The Badger Herald walks through the history of the law and the numbers that comply in Madison. One issue in hiring of coaches is the limited number of female applicants, Gawlik: "We’ve never had a female volleyball coach [at UW], not because we haven’t tried, but due to the fact it’s hard to find one." Side note, a Minnesota study found that men hold 80% of head coaching gigs across the board and 60% of female student-athletes have male HCs. (link)

The Las Cruces Sun-News' Groves looks at the conference alignment picture for New Mexico State, points to a future that may be tied to the WAC. AD Moccia: "We would always look at opportunities and if someone was interested enough, we would certainly take the phone call. I don't think you would be doing your job if you didn't at least entertain a discussion. It doesn't mean it would go further than a phone call." Big Sky Commish Williams on a possible fit for the Aggies, "I know there was initial interest but things did not advance beyond that. They (NMSU) are going FBS as an independent and try to be successful. So we haven't engaged or had those conversations with them." More as Groves goes member by member in the WAC with a strengths & weaknesses review. (link)

ESPN Public Editor Brady submits, "The Common Sense approach to social media." Notes the challenges & opportunities for journalists & professionals in the public light promoting & engaging on the platforms, provides some clarity on how he believes ESPN personalities should communicate via the mediums. Of note, "My opinion on dealing with social media trolling is probably different from many people's. I don’t take any issue with the occasional pushback on a troll. Sure, most journalists try to avoid Twitter spats -- they are generally a waste of time and energy. But how can media organizations push their journalists to use social media to better engage with readers, then tell them they must look the other way when faced with abusive comments?" More. (link)

Rutgers six-year deal with adidas that begins July 1 will be worth more than $11M, a report indicates. Base allotment rises from $1.7M to $1.8M from year one to year six. RU also receives $300K in product allotment in year one to cover uniform alterations, $100K for marketing in year one ($75K/year thereafter), and gear will be featured in the company's "Adidas NYC" flagship store in Manhattan. AD Hobbs suggests that next deal could be quite more lucrative, if RU athletics brand rebounds, as adidas "will see as we grow and improve and have success, we’ll warrant” more compensation. (link)

With Gonzaga MBB ranked #1, seats inside the Kennel are hard to come by for those who aren't already in the mix. Some tickets can be found on secondary sites at inflated rates, but there's limited selection given a building capacity of only 6K. Assoc. AD for External Operations Johnson voices a view that season ticket holders "shouldn't take advantage of people in the community that way" & notes that some have had their season tix revoked as a result. Deputy AD/COO Standiford says membership in the Bulldog Club is a key access point for those who want to see games in-person. "Everybody wants to experience it (the game). At some point you have to narrow the pool, and (the Bulldog Club) is a way that we can do it." (link)

The MBB play-by-play announcer at Winthrop for the past decade, Dave Friedman, profiled here on his use of three resources for every call: 1. a situational stat sheet; 2. a chart on each team; and 3. a yellow pad of paper to track the game in real time. Spends 10-12 hours in prep for each game and partner Pacheco knows there aren't many broadcasters that outwork Friedman: "His preparation, that’s his foundation. And you’ve heard his broadcast, he couldn’t be that intense without that foundation of knowledge." Despite the long hours and lack of sleep during the season, Friedman: "I’ll wake up tomorrow and I’ll be excited. I love doing this and it makes me happy." Check out the photo of his charts. (link)

Around Higher Ed: Elon Prez Lambert will slide to emeritus & professor roles after a year-long sabbatical & the Phoenix will move on hiring a new boss. A 15-member search committee is in the process of being established. (link); UTSA Prez Romo has been placed on leave "pending a review of allegations related to his conduct." Romo is already set to retire later this year. (link); Northern Kentucky is moving on its search to replace Prez Means, who's headed to Ball State. RFP looks to be out for a search firm partner. (link); The process to find & name at new Prez at Louisville could take more than a year. (link); Arkansas State will get a new Chancellor with a timeline for an announcement around June 1. (link)

Also Noticed: Liberty's Flames Club produced a record-setting fundraising year with new highs in members (1,030) & donations ($1.29M). (link); FloSports will live stream Big 12 Championships of Gymnastics, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling & Indoor Track & Field over the next two months. (link); ESPN ranked as the top overall network in perceived value by 97% of cable operators for the 13th straight year. (link); No more Baseball season tix sales at Louisiana as facility construction continues. (link); Duke MBB's Twitter account is over 1M followers, the first in college hoops to reach that mark. (link); Tailgate Guys & Game Day Tents have merged. Game Day Tents partner Harper now VP of Tailgate Guys Tuscaloosa & Birmingham operations. (link); Wendy's made a play for NCAA rights, Burger King may buy Popeyes. (link); TV sports scheduling guru Sarzyniak takes a stab at times & networks for the first weeks of next FB season. (link); Facebook video changes include sound in the news feed, vertical video, continued scroll while still watching a video & a FB video app for smart TVs. (link); Yik Yak is proposing to move from an anonymous social media approach to a group messaging focus. (link)

Part II with Georgia AD Greg McGarity covers the importance of being at games to see the body language & cadence of team dynamics, being head-on with head coaches on any issues you observe & his interest in watching game alone, when possible. McGarity also touches on managing expectations with his donor base - says he gets texts during games from fans - "in responding, you have to be careful...you never know where that response may end up." In closing, discussion on content creation & storytelling, controlling a brand's message & the mainstream media's negativity. Listen by clicking the link. - link (length - 10:57)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Senior Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services (Texas Tech University, Lubbock. TX): Responsible for ensuring student-athletic academic success, retention, and graduation in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. Req#ID 9989. Resume/Cover Letter. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Associate AD Business Operations (New Mexico State University / Las Cruces, NM): Directs and oversees the planning, development, and administration of all business and commercial activities, programs, auxiliary enterprises, inventory control, and services of a large organization. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (University of Nevada, Las Vegas / Las Vegas, NV): Reports to the President of the University, administers the overall athletic program, and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for a 17-sport Division I FBS program. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development/Major Gifts Officer ICA (Miami University / Oxford, OH): Will advance the mission of Miami University by planning, organizing, and implementing strategies to increase the level of personal involvement & financial commitment of alumni and friends. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of the Duke Club - Annual Fund (James Madison University / Harrisonburg, VA): James Madison University is accepting applications for an Assistant Director of the Duke Club - Annual Fund to assist the Duke Club in efforts to reach annual fundraising goals. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Communications Director (Purdue University / West Lafayette, IN): Responsible for communications for Volleyball and Softball sports. All applicants must apply online at: Purdue University is an EA/EO, affirmative action employer. More details HERE.

Senior Associate or Associate Athletic Director (Tulane University / New Orleans, LA): Primary responsibilities include managing revenue generation. Participate in the development of departmental goals, provides daily oversight, leadership, and management of the units under supervision. More details HERE.

Associate Athletic Director - Student Services and Sport Administration (University of Delaware / Newark, DE): Responsible for collaborating w/team members on all facets of sports admin for UD’s 21 varsity athletics programs & the successful leadership of the Student Services & Career Services. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Business Operations (Mississippi State University / Starkville, MS): Provide a broad-range of fiscal activities for the Department of Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant AD for Budget and Finance (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities / Minneapolis, MN): The Assistant AD of Budget/Finance serves as a leader to oversee/direct the daily operation and administration of the athletic budget/finance and travel operations with the budget and finance team. More details HERE.

Associate Athletic Director, Ticket Sales and CRM (University of Arizona / Tuscon, AZ): Oversee ticket sales, operations, customer experience for all ticketed sports; customer/donor database and CRM program; and coordinate fundraising efforts with Development. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Business Operations (University of California, Riverside / Riverside, CA): The Assistant Director of Business Operations serves as the travel, purchasing and accounts payable manager for UCR Athletics. Please complete online application by 2/8/17. More details HERE.

Director of Development (University of South Carolina Upstate / Spartanburg, SC): Responsible for major gifts, planned gifts and annual fund support designated for the benefit of the Upstate Athletics facilities, programs and student-athletes. USC Upstate is an AA/EOE institution. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance, Administration and Planning (Rutgers University / New Brunswick, NJ): Reports to AD, dotted line reporting to EVP for Finance and Administration. Provides departmental budgetary planning and fiscal forecasting, and strategic vision/ongoing administration of comprehensive business analytics program. Oversees strategic planning, administers HR management for Department’s 220+ FT employees including recruitment, appointment, compensation and evaluation. More details HERE.

Director, Corporate Sales (Play By Play Sports LLC / Hockey East Sports Properties / Wakefield, MA): Seeking to hire an entrepreneurial, proactive, sports sales and marketing executive in greater Boston area as Director of Sales for Hockey East Sports Properties (HESP), located in Wakefield, MA. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director - Marketing and Fan Development (University of Alabama / Tuscaloosa, AL): Oversee the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans for the Athletics Department that utilize innovative and collaborative efforts to engage Crimson Tide fans worldwide. More details HERE.

Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): The University of Wyoming has an immediate full-time opening for the Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach position. More details HERE.

Sports Law & Business Lecturer (Arizona State University / Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law / Phoenix, AZ): Lecturer will teach 4-6 courses on general sports law as it applies to high school, collegiate, professional sports; will advise JD students on sports research papers. Other duties as assigned. More details HERE.

Graphic Designer (The University of Delaware / Newark, DE): Supports areas across the athletic department. This individual is responsible for creating print and digital promotional materials for athletic teams, and areas within Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development, Athletics (The University of Akron / Akron, OH): The University of Akron, a NCAA Division I institution and proud member of the Mid-American Conference, is now accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Athletics Development / Z-Fund. EEO/AA Employer/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Development Officer - Cowboy Joe Club (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): Responsibilities include direct involvement with the annual fund drive; game day parking operations/enforcement; premium seating; assisting with auctions, golf tournaments, outreach activities. More details HERE.

Part-time Ticket Sales Representative, Intercollegiate Athletics (Ball State University / Muncie, IN): Market and sell full seasons, partial seasons, group tickets, and mini ticket plans, through outbound sales activities for all ticketed sports. EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (California State University - San Bernardino - CSU / San Bernardino, CA): The Athletics Director is a member of the Div of Student Affairs Sr Management Team. The position directs and administers intercollegiate athletics. Please visit hrd.csusb.edu for more information. More details HERE.

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