Had someone send me this podcast on twitter, it's a direct link to the download. It's a longer interview but well worth the listen. A reflective interview, the guy interviewing him worked at EWU at one time, Troy Kirby.
http://troykirby.com/tao-of-sports-ep-7-jim-o-day-fmr-univ-of-montana-athletic-director-fcs-chairman" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Some points that stood out to me:
1. When he was AD he wasn't "in the public enough" to notice all of the small things that people were doing to "bend the rules." Sending out materials to read doesn't always work.
2. Mention of "bulletin board" (egriz). On if it's counter-productive; "theres good and bad" about a place that's relevant. Had to listen to see where "the other side" of social media presents info to help dispel or gain info on rumors. Pressed further on the "bulletin board" leaking his emails to a high profile donor (about a letter about a move to the WAC that he wrote); "a lesson for all of us" showed the value for how social media can be helpful/harmful.
3. On resisting the call to fire a coach that can't win the big game (Hauck): Must recognize you can't make everyone happy and those that want coaches that just fall short of the NC game but are successful otherwise don't understand the business of college football.
4. On pressure when season's fall short of expectations: During his tenure he was never pressured by a president with risk of termination.
5. On athletes being paid: Talked about the demands of the student-athlete's time and that something should be done to consider that. Doesn't say it should or shouldn't be done (paying student-athletes) but seems on the fence about allowing something. Pointed out FCS schools wouldn't have enough $$ to actually pay student athletes. Talks about the time and social commitment SA's make and wonders if they should be given some consideration for that.
6. Was some of what happened in "his situation" (termination) perpetuated by the timing of the Penn St news: Seemed to say yes it played a role. "Life isn't always fair but you've got to deal with it." Stress level on administrators that are responsible for 300 - 500 students/kids is huge. Suggestion of a lot of tension/nerves esp in fear of "will we be next". Points out social media had changed things so much, a tweet, a photo on instagram, a post on a message board that could cause trouble - it makes events so much more immediate. Need to be aware that news for the "top programs" lead in the press.
7. On donor power over hiring decisions (UConn example): "Desperation is unattractive" stand by your principals. Lucky he never had to deal with pressure like the UConn admin did ($5 mil donor wanting a different coach hired or he'd pull his $$)
8. Plan on getting back into athletic dept administration? "Never say never, I miss my student athletes" but there are "wounds that still need to be healed"
http://troykirby.com/tao-of-sports-ep-7-jim-o-day-fmr-univ-of-montana-athletic-director-fcs-chairman" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Some points that stood out to me:
1. When he was AD he wasn't "in the public enough" to notice all of the small things that people were doing to "bend the rules." Sending out materials to read doesn't always work.
2. Mention of "bulletin board" (egriz). On if it's counter-productive; "theres good and bad" about a place that's relevant. Had to listen to see where "the other side" of social media presents info to help dispel or gain info on rumors. Pressed further on the "bulletin board" leaking his emails to a high profile donor (about a letter about a move to the WAC that he wrote); "a lesson for all of us" showed the value for how social media can be helpful/harmful.
3. On resisting the call to fire a coach that can't win the big game (Hauck): Must recognize you can't make everyone happy and those that want coaches that just fall short of the NC game but are successful otherwise don't understand the business of college football.
4. On pressure when season's fall short of expectations: During his tenure he was never pressured by a president with risk of termination.
5. On athletes being paid: Talked about the demands of the student-athlete's time and that something should be done to consider that. Doesn't say it should or shouldn't be done (paying student-athletes) but seems on the fence about allowing something. Pointed out FCS schools wouldn't have enough $$ to actually pay student athletes. Talks about the time and social commitment SA's make and wonders if they should be given some consideration for that.
6. Was some of what happened in "his situation" (termination) perpetuated by the timing of the Penn St news: Seemed to say yes it played a role. "Life isn't always fair but you've got to deal with it." Stress level on administrators that are responsible for 300 - 500 students/kids is huge. Suggestion of a lot of tension/nerves esp in fear of "will we be next". Points out social media had changed things so much, a tweet, a photo on instagram, a post on a message board that could cause trouble - it makes events so much more immediate. Need to be aware that news for the "top programs" lead in the press.
7. On donor power over hiring decisions (UConn example): "Desperation is unattractive" stand by your principals. Lucky he never had to deal with pressure like the UConn admin did ($5 mil donor wanting a different coach hired or he'd pull his $$)
8. Plan on getting back into athletic dept administration? "Never say never, I miss my student athletes" but there are "wounds that still need to be healed"
