D1.ticker - News from Friday, May 26, 2017

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Some interesting nuggets from SiriusXM College Sports, including ACC Commish Swofford saying the league has had no conversations with Notre Dame about full membership, but if momentum starting tilting in that direction, the league would add another school to get to an even 16. Many in the media pointed to UConn. (link); Wisconsin AD Alvarez also added context on what it's like to be a member of the College FB Playoff Committee: "The last 7 or 8 weeks is a grind." To ADs aiming to be a part of the group in the future, "You better have a strong staff around you." (link, link)

Georgia Southern AD Kleinlein inks a new deal that could keep him in Statesboro through June of 2021 that comes with a base salary of $265K. Buyout without cause is one year's pay. In the other direction, if Kleinlein were to exit for another opportunity, he would owe the university $50K. The Eagles budget has doubled from $13M to $26M under Kleinlein's watch the last five years. Kleinlein will report directly to Prez Hebert in the new consolidated administration via the merger with Armstrong State (DII). (link, link)

There may have been no better timing for Washington FB to surge forward over the last couple of seasons as an expected $14.8M deficit for FY16 ended up being $5.8M & a projected $5.6M for FY17 is looking like it will break even. Moving forward, FY18 sees a $2M surplus, though there are still red numbers from 2019 to 2021 that will need the aid of $4M in revenue enhancements. AD Cohen: "We’ve been able to get our arms around it pretty quickly. And thanks to great fans and great donors and a great staff – and a great football program – we feel really comfortable with where we are now." FB pushed $2.8M more to the bottom line from its CFB Playoff run last season than expected, the Huskies development team soared past its goals by $3M+, plus Cohen received $1.5M from Don James Center renewals earlier than expected, which helped with the buyout of former MBB HC Romar. Cohen also notes the importance of her CFO hire, former biz school Asst. Dean of Finance & Administration Cullen, as well as the appointment of Senior Assoc. AD of External Affairs Shick to oversee all the revenue-producing units. In terms of future gains, getting FB season tickets holders to 55K (from a goal of 44K right now), could produce another $4M, MBB regaining its national footing could generate $3M more, plus there's the big question mark of the Pac-12 Networks, as well as a new apparel deal starting in 2020. More. (link); Right now, UW has sold nearly 43K FB season tickets, tracking at a 96% renewal rate & up 8% from last year. As noted above, the 2017 goal is 44K, seemingly well within reach. (link)

Outgoing UNLV AD Kunzer-Murphy pens to the Rebels fanbase, says it's been "an honor and a privilege" to lead the department. Runs through a number of accomplishments during her tenure, including raising $12M for the new Fertitta FB Complex, a best-ever Learfield Directors' Cup point total, a host of academic marks & no major NCAA violations. "In closing, I want to welcome Desiree Reed-Francois and her family to Las Vegas and UNLV and wish her the very best as she begins her new role at this great institution." (link)

Oregon State AD Barnes reaches back to his Pitt team to hire Panthers Deputy AD for Internal Affairs Bartholomae as the new Deputy AD for Capital Projects & Internal Operations in Corvallis. Barnes: "Dan is one of the rising stars in all of intercollegiate athletics administration and we are extremely excited to have him as a member of Beaver Nation. His impressive track record of success and his collaborative leadership style will be a great fit for us. His breadth of experience in strategic and facilities planning, and as a sports administrator for football and other programs will serve Oregon State well." Bartholomae will slide into the role previously occupied by senior leader Massari, who will exit after three years. Massari says now is a good time for the transition for his family & looks forward to the next challenge. (link)

Auburn AD Jacobs echoes the sentiment of his FB HC Malzahn, says flipping the Tigers' SEC alignment to the East "makes sense. [...] It really makes sense for Missouri, because of the travel or other things like that. [...] I would want to preserve the Auburn-Alabama rivalry, however we could do that. ... The Auburn-Alabama game right now, it just means too much to too many people to give that up. I think there are other ways that we could possibly change without having to give that rivalry up." Gives a nod to pod scheduling as a possible solution, which could include four permanent FB opponents per year & four that rotate. "The great thing about commissioner Sankey and all us ADs is, we're trying to see around the curve, and what is best for college athletics. Are we willing to change some things up to keep creating interest in the game? That's the main thing. We want to do whatever we can to make sure we're sold out every Saturday, every Saturday's like a playoff, whatever that may be." More. (link)

Sticking with the SEC, OnlineAthens.com scribe Weiszer indicates league meetings next week will include debate on rules connected to graduate transfers. Looks like Georgia is sponsoring legislation that would allow a grad transfer to move to another conference member without having to get a waiver. Weiszer: "Another proposed change would revise the penalty from three years to one for schools being restricted from taking a graduate transfer when a previous graduate transfer did not meet a benchmark for showing progress toward a graduate degree." Other topics on the agenda: instant replay collaboration for MBB, the changing TV & digital landscape, the early FB signing period, size of FB staffs. (link)

Marshall has taken the step of telling its fanbase six home FB games will kick at either 2:30p or 6:30p. AD Hamrick: "Stadium, who bought ASN, hasn't picked their games yet. They will pick the games that they want to, but we can play them in those time slots. They won't change it." (link); More context on the next round of TV deals for Conference USA comes from SB Nation's Underdog Dynasty. Thesis: "...the true value of the contract will be spelled out by the level of access to non-traditional distribution models it provides. While the impending media deal may well be truly awful, it's hard to imagine it not offering at least a moderate increase in access to live games over the current contract." (link)

More angles on North Carolina's latest NOA response: The Raleigh News & Observer's DeCock, "We’re headed for a showdown now. There’s no way around it. Whatever happens to North Carolina, whether the university is punished by the NCAA or wriggles off the hook, the battle lines have never been drawn more sharply. After five years, judgment is coming." Calls UNC's strategy high risk "since the scale of the third set of allegations opens the door for pretty much everything in the NCAA’s bag of tricks." More. (link); Sports Illustrated's Staples: "North Carolina has mounted a defense that has worked in the past, but with the association under pressure to do something about something, no one knows how the COI will respond." Lots more. (link)

The space between seats on some United planes, known as "seat pitch," will likely decrease from 30- or 31-inches down to 29, a distance usually only common for discount carriers like Spirit or Ryan. United Prez Kirby: "If you take a row of seats off an airplane — you take 4 percent of the seats off the airplane — it costs the same amount to fly the airplane as it did before. You’re burning the same amount of fuel. You pay the pilots the same. Maintenance is the same. So you have to charge 4 percent more to make that break even. Customers have to be willing to pay more if they want more seat pitch. And the evidence is that they aren’t willing to." (link)

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Georgia AD McGarity continues to be on the wire & even though the Bulldogs don't have a documented master facilities plan, McGarity says there's certainly a list pointing the way forward & his team will continue to pick them off as monies are raised. McGarity, with arms race context, "The game of comparing one school to another will always be a popular exercise for many. We will always do what we think is best on a sport by sport basis for our teams, in order to achieve all of our directives on the field, in the classroom and in the community." (link); DawgNation takes a look at how UGA generated upwards of $50M for, and in follow-up to, a fundraising push for the new indoor FB facility that cost $30.2M with the additional monies being routed to other projects, including the coming revamp of the West end zone at Sanford Stadium. Both McGarity & Prez Morehead indicate interest in FB is driving the bus for a majority of donations. (Iink)

LSU AD Alleva says the Pete Maravich Assembly Center "really needs a facelift." Home to both basketball programs, volleyball and gymnastics, the PMAC ramps will be replaced with escalators and the renovation will create a lobby facing FB's Tiger Stadium. Alleva, who, to the surprise of many, referenced the need for the project earlier this month, "We've been talking about this for years. In my department it wasn't a surprise, but I guess it was a surprise when we talked about it earlier. We're looking at renovating the PMAC." (link)

Now entering his second summer in charge, Illinois AD Whitman says his athletic department is "at a place of some stability." Lots more from his Q&A with the Illini Inquirer, including the recent dismissal of three FB players and the MBB transfer situation nationwide: "... I also think that one of the lessons that is there to be taught is overcoming adversity, working through difficult times. I worry again in our role as educators that we're not necessarily teaching that lesson as well as we once did. That good things, in some cases, come to those who wait. That doesn't mean in every case those athletes shouldn't have an opportunity to go somewhere else. There are always going to be some circumstances that merit that freedom and that opportunity. But there are certainly other circumstances where they aren't playing the way they want to right away." Once he hires a new Women's Gymnastics coach, it will be his sixth HC hire in 15 months. On the next big thing coming down the pipe: "Nothing to share. Nothing to share. We're always working on big ideas. I love big ideas. I love big moves. But they've got to be the right big ideas. They've got to be the right moves. You don't do them for the sake of doing them." (link)

Duluth News Tribune journalist Wellens takes a look at how North Dakota's discontinuation of Women's Hockey could have a trickle down effect on others in the WCHA. One solution could be the addition of another program, but there aren't many that fit both geographic & competitive frameworks. Penn State could be an interesting option, except it would require current league members to get on a plane to play the Nittany Lions & therefore increase costs. Mercyhurst would require the same, but has a much more successful win-loss track record. Commish Million on UND's move, "There is a fear we could lose another team. I'm hopeful that we don't, but that's my biggest fear, this ripple effect and what that means for women's hockey across the board. It's very scary for me. I hope we don't lose any more opportunities for women to play." More. (link)

The News & Observer's DeCock dubs NC State MBB student-athlete Henderson "another victim of NCAA's predatory policies" as he was "cruelly denied a sixth year at N.C. State in apparent violation of both recent precedent and human decency." Henderson transferred from West Virginia in advance of the 2014-15 season, which he sat out, per NCAA policy, and has missed a total of nearly two full seasons due to injuries. A fired up DeCock: "Coaches can leave in the middle of their contract, stranding players and recruits alike. Administrators swap jobs to double their paychecks all the time. But once a player signs a letter of intent (which may not be an enforceable contract for most recruits in North Carolina anyway, a story for another day) he becomes an indentured servant, essentially. Transfer? How dare you." (link)

"What lessons has Baylor learned?" That's the title from ESPN's Lavigne & Schlabach as we're at the one year mark from release of Pepper Hamilton's findings. Here's how new FB HC Rhule sees things, "It's not just about how we interact with women. It's about getting into fights and our core behaviors. It's a reminder about being a man. At the end of the day, it's hoping that if someone starts to have too much to drink or someone sees a teammate beginning to engage in risky behavior, let's back away from that risky behavior. […] I think one thing I'll say -- and I feel very passionately about this -- is so often football coaches say, 'Of course, I'm against rape. I have two young girls.' To me, it's not just the fact that I have girls in my life is why I don't believe in rape. When you communicate like that with football players or any young people, they begin, in my mind, to differentiate between women they know and love and women who they don't know, and then they don't place any value on them." More. (link)

Kansas AD Zenger calls incoming KU Chancellor Girod "a valuable colleague" over the last six years the pair have worked together in Lawrence. "During the times when we have worked together, Dr. Girod has demonstrated that he is very supportive of athletic endeavors. He always asked the necessary questions about the issues of our time with regard to the NCAA and the needs of the University of Kansas on all things athletics and I am looking forward to continuing to partner with him in that manner." As noted in yesterday's D1.t, Girod has been with the university for the past 23 years, including the last four as EVP of the medical school. (link)

Tulsa's revamp of its FB locker room is apparently on hold, per the Tulsa World's Haisten. "A source said that the locker-room project is delayed because of university red tape — because 'everyone dragged their feet' — and because TU leadership figures were concerned about the possibility of a disapproving response within the university community. There apparently was concern about the perception of a football improvement coinciding with university budget problems and the loss of support-staff jobs." Haisten goes on to indicate HC Montgomery has become frustrated with the situation, plus, "Recruits notice when a school has an indoor facility and a cool locker room. Recruits also notice when a school lacks the extras that are common elsewhere." (link)

North Alabama has made its first payment to the Atlantic Sun as it starts the transition process to DI. $175K is the amount, which will be mirrored by June 1 of next year, followed by $150K by the same date in 2019 & 2020. The $750K to the A-Sun is in addition to $1.57M for the NCAA's application fee. UNA currently operates with a ~$7M budget, but plans to grow its kitty to $11.5M over the next four years. AD Linder points to $600K worth of FB guarantee revenue in negotiations for FY19, a result of match-ups with FCS opponents. Linder indicates more money will be pumped into hoops as, "Our plan is to accelerate the basketball model so we can start focusing on that sport that drives Division I, which we know is basketball." (link)

Maine plans to use some of its one-time NCAA distribution of $640K on student-athlete mental health initiatives. Women's Hockey student-athlete Hutchinson: "Mental health often goes unnoticed. There were not as many outlets as we’d like. We have our coaches (to talk to), but a lot of times athletes don’t want to talk with coaches because then they seem vulnerable. (The coach’s) decisions make us happy or upset, if we play or not. So we want to get a sports psychologist on campus, maybe one for each sports team or a few for the entire department. It would be beneficial. It’s just an extra outlet for the athletes to have if they need someone to talk to." Senior Assoc. AD Coutts wants the program up & running by the Fall, and will also include training for anyone that comes in contact with student-athletes. "We talk about how much time we spend training and practicing and in study hall. Unless you live it, it’s hard to describe that to people. We’re going to do what we can to try to build people from the inside." (link)

Kentucky fans & related media outlets who went after MBB official Higgins after the Wildcats exit from this year's NCAA Tournament will not be charged, per an Omaha-base prosecutor, but he is recommending local jurisdictions take over the respective matters. (link); The Board of Regents at Colorado has engaged former Democratic senator & interior secretary Salazar on Cozen O'Connor's review of the domestic violence situation involving former FB AC Tumpkin. (link)

Also Noticed: A nugget from the Dallas Morning News' Carlton, "Industry sources indicate Big 12 is expected to announce next week revenue distribution of $33M-34M per school, up from $30.4M last year." (link); As you likely know, ESPN has hired former Oregon FB & Philadelphia Eagles HC Kelly as a studio analyst. (link); UMass AD Bamford makes quick work of his Baseball HC search, tabs alum & Washington College (DIII) HC Reynolds as the new skipper. (link); Looks like USC Baseball HC Hubbs will be back next year to lead the Trojans. (link); Syracuse & Liberty agree to a three-game FB series starting in 2019. (link); Georgia Tech Chief Groundskeeper May gets high marks for the job he's done inside Bobby Dodd Stadium for the MLS' Atlanta United's home games. (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Compliance (Grand Canyon University / Phoenix, AZ): Grand Canyon University is seeking an Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Compliance. This role is responsible for assisting in the administration of the department’s (NCAA) compliance program. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Director of Premium Experiences (Notre Dame Athletics / Notre Dame, IN): Position will direct all premium hospitality and club spaces coordinated by ND Athletics including the new facilities at Notre Dame Stadium and current areas within the basketball and hockey venues. More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Director of Development (University of San Diego-Athletics / San Diego, CA): Responsible for helping to meet fundraising objectives for USD Athletics. Responsible for identification, cultivation & solicitation of annual funds (TAA), major gifts, & sport specific donors. More details HERE.

Assistant Director for Athletics Fundraising (Dartmouth College / Hanover, NH): Dartmouth College seeks an Assistant Director to raise the maximum current-use dollars for Dartmouth College Athletics. For more information, visit http://advancement.dartmouth.org/careers. More details HERE.

Director of Marketing & Fan Experience (Fairfield University / Fairfield, CT): The Fairfield University Department of Athletics seeks a Director of Marketing and Fan Experience to oversee the marketing, promotions and community partnerships for 20 varsity sports. More details HERE.

Athletics Communications Specialist (George Washington University / Washington, DC): The Athletics Communications Specialist serves as a spokesperson for GW Athletics and is a public relations strategist, developing and executing plans to elevate the profile of GW Athletics. More details HERE.

Associate AD for External Operations (University of Arkansas at Little Rock / Little Rock, AR): Responsible for planning and administering all external functions of the department: ticket operation, fundraising, marketing and promotions, student and campus engagement and volunteer boards. More details HERE.

Director of Business Operations or Assistant AD, Business Operations (University of California, Riverside / Riverside, CA): Under general direction of the Senior Associate Athletics Director/CFAO, oversee day-to-day operations of the budget and financial operations and provide complex analytical support/policy analysis. More details HERE.

Athletics Facilities Manager (Colorado State University / Fort Collins, CO): Facilities Manager is responsible for the management, operations and scheduling of athletics facilities, providing support for events, and administering game management services for assigned sports. More details HERE.

Compliance Internship (Full-time, 11-month appointment) (Middle Tennessee State University / Murfreesboro, TN): Report to the Assistant Director of Athletics Compliance & Compliance Coordinators; designed to expose the individual to all aspects of compliance. More details HERE.

Director of Donor Relations & Special Events - Bear Foundation (Baylor University / Waco, TX): Strategic opportunity stewarding individual relationships with donors of Baylor Athletics. More details HERE.

Associate Director, Social Media and Feature Production (CSUN Athletics / Northridge, CA): This position oversees CSUN Athletics social media accounts and strategy and creates, produces and publishes video features for use on social media and online, focusing on outside-the-lines content. More details HERE.

Assistant Director for Athletics Communications (#10112) (University of Akron / Akron, OH): The University of Akron is now accepting applications in the Department of Athletics for the position of Assistant Director for Athletics Communications. EEO/AA Employer/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Communications (University of Oregon / Eugene, OR): Manage the Athletic Communications Office’s public and media relations activities for all intercollegiate athletics sports. More details HERE.

Senior Administrative Program Coordinator (Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation) (University of Texas at Austin / Austin, TX): This position is responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation (CSLi) programming at the University of Texas. Applications lose May 30th. More details HERE.

Asst AD for Development / Director of Major Gifts (Liberty University / Lynchburg, VA): Key development leadership position at program transitioning to the FBS level as an Independent. Will work with the Assoc AD to develop and execute all annual fund and major gift growth strategies. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Information/Public Relations/Publication/Product Services (Louisiana State University / Baton Rouge, LA): Directs and coordinates the flow of info to news media - serving as the point contact for Women’s Basketball and golf. LSU is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Athletics for Governance and Compliance (University of Massachusetts Amherst / Amherst, MA): The UMass Amherst Department of Athletics accepting applications for an Associate Director of Athletics for Governance and Compliance. More details HERE.

Administrative Fellowship (American Athletic Conference / Providence, RI): Includes involvement in most aspects of Conference administration, including management of sports/championships, marketing/branding, television, digital/social, governance/compliance, communications. More details HERE.

Senior Associate/Associate Athletic Director of Business Operations (Grand Canyon University / Phoenix, AZ): Overall management of the athletic business operations and implementing policies, procedures, practices and standards that ensure optimal efficiencies of the athletic business office. More details HERE.

Director of Sports Performance (Grand Canyon University / Phoenix, AZ): The primary job duty of the Director is to provide leadership to all of the programming, services and operations of the Sports Performance department that support 21 NCAA intercollegiate sports. More details HERE.

Director of Strategic Media (America East Conference / Boston, MA): Develop, lead and execute the America East Conference's robust strategic media plan across social, digital & traditional platforms to expand the conference's brand, presence and exposure. More details HERE.

Assistant Director Ticket Operations (Florida Atlantic University / Boca Raton, FL): The Assistant Director Ticket Operations has the primary responsibility of planning, organizing and directing all operations involving the Tickets Office. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications (University of San Diego / San Diego, CA): Position will manage & set the direction for our strategic communication & digital efforts. Use skill & drive to increase our fan engagement & revenue generating initiatives. More details HERE.

Assistant AD for Media Relations (University at Albany / Albany, NY): Overall supervision of all sports information/media related contests and events while generating publicity and promotion of the University's 18 intercollegiate sports. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Development, Athletics (George Washington University / Washington, DC): GW seeks a passionate and talented fundraiser capable of managing annual fund solicitations and major gift cultivation. Join a committed team ready to change the lives of 500+ student-athletes. More details HERE.

Temporary Creative Services Graphic Design Assistant (University of Kentucky / Lexington, KY): Assist full-time members of UKAD Creative Services staff in the creation of various print, display, web-based & social media graphics for use in promoting the department and varsity sport programs. More details HERE.

Head Coach, Women's Golf (California State University Los Angeles / Los Angeles, CA): Head Coach, Women's Golf for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Duties include: recruitment, coordinate practices, games, enforce institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations. More details HERE.

Director of Marketing (Clemson University / Clemson, SC): Clemson Athletics seeks a candidate with 3-5 years experience. This position directs all marketing & promotion efforts, prepares marketing plans, establishes budgets & leads digital marketing efforts. More details HERE.

Associate or Senior Associate Athletics Director for Marketing, Broadcast and Community Relations (University of Texas at San Antonio / San Antonio, TX): Position reports to Deputy Athletic Director. Responsible for marketing & promotion strategies, manage licensing/brand standards, and direct advertising/promo of radio, broadcast & video productions. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director - Event Management & Game Day Experience (University of Texas at San Antonio / San Antonio, TX): Assistant Athletic Director, Event Management & Game Day Experience will develop and implement marketing, game operations and promotional plans to enhance the brand and revenue of UTSA Athletics. More details HERE.

Director of Fan Experience and Community Outreach (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): UW Athletics is hiring a Director of Fan Experience and Community Outreach to join the Marketing and Branding team, responsible for promoting 17 Men’s and Women’s sports at the University of Wyoming. More details HERE.

Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Development (University of Alabama / Tuscaloosa, AL): Responsible for all Intercollegiate Athletics’ fund raising activities including coordination of annual, major and planned gifts, capital campaigns corporate and foundation giving, and stewardship. More details HERE.

Director of the Husky Athletic Fund/Assistant Athletic Director (The UConn Foundation, Inc. / Stoors, CT): Will manage all areas of acquiring, upgrading, cultivating, stewarding donors, letterwinner clubs, generate revenue, build the donor base and create a pipeline for future major gifts. More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Director of Capital Support (University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. / Knoxville, TN): The position is a full time fundraising position located in Knoxville Athletics. Please use keyword 17000000LB to search and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications of this position. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development - Donor Relations & Special Events (Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation / USAFA, CO): The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation (AFAAC) is accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Development for Donor Relations & Special Events. More details HERE.

Video Services Intern (Big Ten Conference / Rosemont, IL): VS Intern supports football basketball & hockey officiating programs. Including, capturing, editing, and managing game video for officiating clinics coach’s questions, and evaluation of officials. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations (West Virginia University / Morgantown, WV): The position will serve as the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and oversee all financial operations, inclusive of a $90 million annual budget. More details HERE.

Assistant Director Career Enhancement & Employer Relations (Northwestern University / Evanston, IL): This Asst Director of Career Enhancement & Employer Relations works extensively with student-athletes to assist with their career development and job search process through counseling and coaching. More details HERE.

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