D1.ticker - News from Friday, February 24, 2017

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Our next Athletic Director in Residence for Athletic Director U. is Penn AD Grace Calhoun. Submit questions for Grace here.

Big East Commish Ackerman Q&As with the Indianapolis Business Journal's Schoettle, calls her league "financially healthy" & points to the Fox TV deal, along with sponsorship & ticket sales revenue as reasons why. Notes the conference's solid track record of keeping high profile MBB HCs - who don't have to "labor in the shadow of FB" - as Butler's Holtmann is one name being bandied about by the media given the success of his Bulldogs. On potential membership additions: "We’re paying attention to what other conferences are doing, but we’re not actively looking for other schools." In follow-up, says if there were additions, the institution would have to be in the league's current footprint (Omaha to the Eastern Seaboard is a wide area!). Notes the name "Big East" doesn't exactly fit reality these days, but it has too much equity to consider changing, more. (link)

The majority of this piece looks to be behind TMGCollegeSports.com's paywall, but author & former 25-year Boston Globe writer Blaudschun starts with some context around the AD search at Boston College. Lauds the overall job done at the university by Father Leahy, President of the institution, "But athletically–at least for the past seven years–the Eagles have tumbled into an abyss. And while Father Leahy’s overall involvement in athletics is minimal, his influence in who gets hired and fired has been and remains enormous. And now, as BC faces another change in management and perhaps direction with a search for a new athletic director underway, Father Leahy’s influence presents a major road block to success. Several sources familiar with BC contend that as long as Father Leahy remains in charge, the pool of qualified candidates for the athletic director’s job will be shallow." Blaudschun adds that the perception of the BC AD chair is at the bottom of 'Power 5' leadership opportunities. (link)

In an article that came out moments after D1.ticker was sent yesterday morning, the Knoxville News Sentinel's Adams indicates that UT Chattanooga AD Blackburn has met with Turnkey Search officials & that on-campus interviews for the open Tennessee AD post could be held next week. Further, Adams says he continues to hear that this is new Chancellor Davenport's hire, "I really think there’s a possibility Davenport could be empowered enough to pick her own AD." Adams, in closing: "I believe Blackburn is the best qualified person for the job. But if Davenport believes someone else would be a better athletic director, it’s her call. And if she can truly make that call - especially when it could mean going against the wishes of longstanding Tennessee power brokers - then UT might have hired a stronger chancellor than it realized." (link)

Penn State AD Barbour presented a new strategic plan to the university's Board of Trustees yesterday titled "Proud Past, Bright Future." Primary directives: 1) Set the standard for comprehensive excellence; 2) Be a national leader in the landscape of intercollegiate athletics; 3) Be a strategic partner in delivering the higher education mission at Penn State; and, 4) Engage our community in meaningful ways. Strategic goals: 1) Comprehensive Excellence; 2) We Are (be Penn State); 3) Key Partnerships and Relationships; 4) Culture; and, 5) Financial Model. Facilities Master Plan will follow in the next couple of weeks. Also of note, Barbour's contract was modified to include buyout terms of years remaining on her deal, not just 12 months of pay. "The university said that change was made to stay in line with contracts of ADs at other programs." (link, link)

OSKR economist & anti-trust expert Schwarz with a deep one for Deadspin: "No, Paying NCAA Athletes Won't Cost Them Money." Schwarz digs into comments by LEAD1 boss McMillen & others connected to potential taxes if student-athletes are further compensated. "But I suspect if they were to tell their school 'Please don’t pay me so I remain covered by the amateur approach to room and board taxation and don’t get screwed,' the school won’t say no. And go back to my original statement—if you aren’t paid, you won’t lose amateur tax treatment, no matter how much someone else is paid, because the IRS has made clear the question of whether a scholarship is taxable rests on the specific terms of each scholarship. Which leaves us with the usual question that comes up whenever disingenuous reasons are offered to explain why college athletes, alone of all people, would suffer from being paid for their work: Is there perhaps something at work here other than concern for the well-being of athletes?" A ton more. (link)

USC AD Swann profiled as part of the university's celebration of Black History Month. On communicating with Millennials: "It's different, but if you take the time to listen and see where they are coming from, it's not that difficult." On leadership & setting an example: "You come in as a leader. You shouldn't just come in and say, 'I am going to change this.' That sudden change could be more destructive than anything else. You have to be a caretaker of what's good and make necessary change. […] Regardless of whether or not you get praise or glory for what you do, if it is the right thing, it will have a positive impact on all the people that follow." (link)

In a letter to his fanbase, Montana State AD Costello indicates he's engaged the services of CarrSports Consulting for a strategic planning review. Looks like the Carr team has already been in Bozeman once with two more trips on the docket & a finalized plan to be completed by May 1. Additionally from Costello: "We are also excited to announce that A&E Architecture, with national partner Crawford Architects, have been selected for the Facility Master Plan project for athletics." (link)

No feedback yet from officials at Kansas on an article that looks at why the playing time of WBB student-athlete Calvert has diminished after she reported MBB student-athlete Jackson damaged & vandalized her car back December. Calvert averaged 28.1 minutes in the first eight games of the year, didn't play in the ninth, which was two days after the alleged incident, since has logged a decreased 15.6 minutes per game. Details from the December 9 altercation also includes a report that Calvert threw a drink on MBB student-athlete Vick, which may have led to Jackson's actions. Jackson has an arraignment date set for April 12. (link)

New Mexico's back & forth with independent blogger & frequent FOIA-requester Libit reviewed by the Albuquerque Journal's Smith. Libit, a former Politico & CNBC.com writer, on his launch of a website dedicated to digging into the Lobos, "It’s basically an experiment. My intent was to focus on one college sports program and scrutinize all aspects of it." Says he chose UNM because of his roots in the area. Student-athlete exit interviews have been at the center of the controversy & AD Krebs notes how he took action on a number of issues voiced by those participating in the interviews. Important to point out the journalistic differences between the Journal (which has not posted the raw notes of the student-athlete interviews) & Libit (who has). (link)

In a likely sign of things to come, BAMTech, not ESPN, pushed for broadcast rights for the U.S. English-based version of the UEFA Champions League starting in 2018 & even though Turner ended up with the package, it's the BAM-ESPN dynamic that I think is most interesting here for our space. SBJ's Ourand: "Another big surprise came from the fact that ESPN did not submit a formal bid. Instead, BAMTech, the technology company spun off from MLB Advanced Media, submitted a bid believed to be in the $35 million per year range that would have placed the tournament’s biggest games on ESPN’s TV channels and made most of them available on an over-the-top service." Turner, who hasn't carried soccer since 1990, is paying ~$60M per year in a three-year pact. (link)

Norwegian Airlines is adding routes from Edinburgh, Scotland & Belfast, Northern Ireland to New York & Boston for as low as £69 (~$86) one-way. Technically, Stewart International Airport, 70 miles north of the City, will be used to connect to NYC & TF Green Airport in Providence, will be the landing spot for the Boston route. A third route using Bradley International Airport near Hartford will debut in June. (link)

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A number of updates from Rutgers AD Hobbs & Deputy AD Baumgartner during a Facebook Live stream yesterday. The R Big Build fundraising number is up to $71M, which includes $25M in tax credits from the state. The MBB locker room inside the RAC will get an overhaul, as will the weight room inside the facility - as for the exterior, Hobbs says "Gotta do something." Construction will begin this summer on the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center with Perkins Eastman handling the design work. The new Soccer-Lacrosse training facility looks to be within the Miller Practice Field area. More & the link includes the whole FB Live video at the bottom. (link)

They Said It: Syracuse MBB HC Boeheim on his future with the Orange, "I don’t know what’s etched in stone these days. I really don’t. There’s a plan in place, and we’re going to see what happens. But basically right now, I might be done this year. You just don’t know. You just have to wait until the season’s over." (link); North Carolina MBB HC Williams on the ACC's scheduling practices, "I think we’re like mushrooms. Just keep you in the dark and throw the crap on and hope it grows. … That’s the way you make a mushroom grow, (and) that’s what I think we are as coaches. We don’t have a say in anything." (link)

Getting Personnel: Former Liberty AD Barber via Twitter, "Extremely blessed, excited and humbled to join the team of Asian Hope...reaching Cambodia's most vulnerable population (kids) for Christ." (link); Baylor AD Rhoades expands Senior Assoc. AD for Development McNamee to Senior Assoc. AD for External Relations. Adds athletics communications, fan engagement, new media, spirit program and ticket services to his portfolio of oversight. (link); West Virginia Assoc. AD for Annual Giving Miller now Assoc. AD for Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns. (link); The next stop for former UIC Women's Volleyball HC Schumacher-Cawley is leading the program at Penn. (link); Winthrop AD Halpin has parted ways with WBB HC Cook. (link); North Texas FB HC Littrell gets a new five-year deal after one season of flipping the fortunes of the Mean Green. No word on new cash, last season Littrell made a base of $815K. (link); Cornell AD Noel goes with AC Hornibrook to take over his Women's Soccer program. (link)

Speaking of personnel, here's some of the backstory on how Florida MBB HC White ended up in Gainesville after a successful stretch at Louisiana Tech. Gators Executive Assoc. AD for External Relations Hill recalls seeing White speak at Villa 7 a couple of years back, "I was very impressed, and I knew some other people who thought very highly of him. So he was a guy who we just sort of filed away, hoping we might not ever have to make a basketball hire but knowing Billy was intrigued by the NBA and you have to be ready whenever that happens." Former UF AD Foley: "When I was the athletic director, if someone rises to the top, I don’t feel I need to talk to four or five people to reaffirm this guy. I think it always helps the relationship if you find someone and you go get them and they know he was always the No. 1 choice." Lots more. (link)

It looks like BYU & Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, along with Victus Advisors, are helping the West Coast Conference think through "awareness, perceptions and positioning of the WCC’s brand." The second link here is a survey being used "to gauge their perceptions of the WCC brand [that] could help shape the final strategic branding recommendations we make for the WCC." Probably a pretty important note that you don't actually complete the survey, just here for example purposes. (link, link)

Adidas continues its surge as The Baltimore Sun's Barker calls it an "American comeback." Alignment with the likes of Kanye West & a renewed vigor on social media are some reasons for a return to the #2 spot for Three Stripes. North American Prez King: "We've been really active in social media, which is where this 14-to-24-year-old lives their life. I think it's that constant availability that's really driving the connection. Brands are finding that's really the way to talk to consumers." Stifel Financial Corp. Managing Director of Equity Research Duffy: "The consumer is always looking for something new and fresh, but for that young consumer the Stan Smith and the Superstar may be new to them. Successful brands in today's world look forward and not backwards. I do believe however that having a great history is a good thing." More. (link)

Florida AD Stricklin once again on the wire, some answers to questions I haven't seen him answer so far...on advice from former AD Foley, "He gives me a lot of insight about staff, and he gives me a lot of historical perspective. I think that’s important to do this job. More than anything, he’s always talked about the people. That’s what makes Florida special." On some of the most important issues facing college athletics moving forward, "Student-athlete welfare, whether it’s their physical well-being, mental well-being, nutritional needs — all the areas where we’ve made a lot of improvements in recent years. A lot of that goes unnoticed. At the end of the day, that’s why we’re in this. We want to win games, but we also want to make sure we provide for our student-athletes in a positive way." (link)

Expenses: At Ole Miss, $9.4M so far connected to its NCAA violations. A forfeiture of $7.8M in SEC revenues, $1.5M in expected legal fees & a $159K self-imposed fine. (link); At Alabama, $838,187 in 2015-16 for unlimited student-athlete meals. FB's portion (pun) was $512,656 for an average per s-a of $6,031. MBB's average was $5,725. Lots of redacted info here, but the article does include a useful chart. (link)

Texas State Representative Gutierrez (D - San Antonio) has asked state lawmakers & Governor Abbott to launch an investigation into the developments at Baylor. Senior officials at BU, along with law enforcement connected to the saga would be the targets. Resolution 664 includes, "Although Baylor coaches certainly deserve blame, they are not solely responsible for the over 125+ female students that were wrongfully treated. The level of cover-up that has been both reported and also admitted at this point is appalling. ... Widespread evidence of obstruction of justice has come out over the last several months." Gutierrez's communications director says his boss is trying to push funding toward "real dangers" where there's credible proof (points to $600M in border security at the other end of the spectrum). (link)

An independent review by Bond, Schoeneck & King (also just performed the investigation at Rutgers) of the heatstroke incident involving Fresno State FB student-athlete Gama last summer has determined that the school's training and medical staff followed "best practices and procedures." Deputy AD Robertello: "We went into this with a completely open mind and wanting to have a thorough outside review of what happened and our policies and procedures and I think as you can see it was a good thorough report and gave us some good feedback on some things that we want to make sure we’re implementing. Our policies and procedures were all where they needed to be, but there were some things that we addressed moving forward." The changes of which Robertello speaks: 1. have "ice tubs" available when the weather is above 100 degrees; 2. student-athletes should wear light-colored clothing during summertime workouts; and 3. avoid conditioning activities between noon-3 pm. (link)

Buildings & Things: The North Texas Board of Regents gave the go-ahead yesterday for an $11.9M venue to house Women's Soccer and Track and Field and include office space, locker rooms and meeting rooms. The current T&F facility, Fouts Field, will be demolished to make space for the new construction, slated to begin this spring. (link); Sam Houston State will knock down the Westside Complex at Bowers Stadium and build a new press box, suites and club boxes in that space to the tune of $29M. (link); UTRGV welcomed legendary Baseball HC Ogletree to the grand opening of the Coach Al and Joann Ogletree Plaza at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. The estimated $250K plaza features a statue of the Broncos former coach, who won 1,084 games in Edinburg. (link); Not sure I've ever seen the inside of South Carolina's FB practice facility. Gamecocks Senior Assoc. AD/CMO Nichols tweets a photo & the graphics work is sharp. (link)

Also Noticed: UCLA will name the court inside its new Mo Ostin Basketball Center after former stand-our WBB student-athlete & current Phoenix Suns & Mercury VP Meyers Drysdale. An anonymous "significant financial contribution" requested the honoring of Meyers Drysdale. (link); Vivid Seats becomes the official secondary ticket partner of Harvard. (link); If you continue to get value from the media & tech analysis of Stratechery's Thompson, he was on the Bill Simmons Podcast while in the States last week & it's another goodie. (link); Why can't a chip inside a football be the solution to accurately marking the ball 100% of the time? FOX officiating expert Pereira wonders how you'd also put a chip in a ball carrier's knee. Fair point. (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Director of Video Content Services (Oakland University / Rochester, MI): Run all aspects of athletics video services, including overseeing all ESPN3 broadcasts, creating hype videos and promotional pieces for marketing, and producing highlight packages for all sports. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Athletic Development/Leadership Annual Giving Officer (University of Toledo Foundation / Toledo, OH): This FT position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and closing prospective donors capable of giving at a defined gift level for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. More details HERE.

(NEW LINK!) Director of Athletics (University of New Haven / West Haven, CT): The DA will provide leadership and strategic direction in overseeing a very successful Division 2 program. Applications to hrdept@newhaven.edu. UNH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. More details HERE.

Assistant Director Annual Giving (Oklahoma State University / Stillwater, OK): Manage all aspects of strategic planning and staging of POSSE donor parking and shuttle routes on game days coordinates all other Athletics event parking. More details HERE.

Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics (University of Tennessee / Knoxville, TN): Reporting directly to the University President, Tennessee’s next AD & Vice Chancellor will oversee the overall operation of UT’s intercollegiate athletics program, including 20 varsity sports, 500+ student-athletes, 275 staff and a $145 million budget. The chosen candidate shall come prepared with a game plan for optimizing Program success, while constantly maintaining the highest levels of integrity and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The chosen candidate will be tasked with creating a focused, purposeful culture of winning and athletic excellence, and fostering a team environment with courage, leadership, passion and valor. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director(Development and Alumni Relations (University of Pennsylvania / Philadelphia, PA): Direct and oversee all aspects of the fundraising program for annual, endowment and capital needs for division that comprises 33 varsity sports, club and intramural sports, and recreation programming. More details HERE.

Part-time Ticket Sales Representative (Ball State University / Muncie, IN): Market and sell sport tickets through outbound sales activities for all ticketed sports; work flexible hrs, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 20 hrs/wk. Commission available based on sales. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director for Fan Engagement (Baylor University / Waco, TX): View the full description: Associate Athletics Director for Branding and Creative Services. AA/EOE. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director for Annual Fund (Baylor University / Waco, TX): View the full description: Assistant Athletics Director for Annual Fund. AA/EOE. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Development for Athletics (University of Massachusetts Amherst / Amherst, MA): This position will manage components of the annual giving program for the athletics department. BA degree and 3-5 years of development experience required. To apply: carolyn.crowley@umass.edu. EOE. More details HERE.

Assistant Commissioner for Compliance (Big South Conference / Charlotte, NC): The successful candidate must demonstrate significant experience in Division I compliance, and strong knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance systems. More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director for Branding and Creative Services (Baylor University / Waco, TX): View the full description: Associate Athletics Director for Branding and Creative Services. AA/EOE. More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director for Resource Development (Baylor University / Waco, TX): Associate Athletics Director for Resource Development. View the full description: Associate Athletics Director for Engagement. More details HERE.

Associate Athletic Director for Engagement (Baylor University / Waco, TX): Associate Athletics Director for Engagement at Baylor University. View the full position description: Associate Athletics Director for Engagement. AA/EOE. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Ticket Sales Center (Baylor University / Waco, TX): Assistant Director of Ticket Sales Center. View the full description: Assistant Director of Ticket Sales Center. AA/EOE. More details HERE.

Director 3 - Director of Ticket Operations (Southern Methodist University / Dallas, TX): The Director of Ticket Operations will oversee the day-to-day operations of the ticket office, game day management and all the details that pertain to achieving this office and departmental goals. More details HERE.

Director of Compliance (Boise State University / Boise, ID): This position will be the primary compliance administrator for sports as assigned and will help monitor all areas of compliance. Reports to the Associate Athletic Director/Compliance. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Strategic Communications (Rutgers University / New Brunswick, NJ): Reports to Deputy AD. Primary brand steward for Rutgers Athletics. Responsible for establishing a unified voice for all messaging, enhancing customer service, integrating marketing and communications teams, increasing revenue, enhancing the fan experience, and promoting 24 varsity sport programs. More details HERE.

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.

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.

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