UNC A.D Resigns. Is O'Day interested?

[BigSkyBears]

Jay Hinrichs resigned today yesterday in Greeley. I know O'Day was a finalist for the position in 2004. Do you think he might be interested in the job? Hinrichs did some okay things like $31 million in facility upgrades (although student fees helped and some say the plans were in place before he was hired), and made some decent coaching hires. However, he is brash and didn't work well with boosters. I have a feeling O'Day would do well in the departments that Hinrichs failed in.

 

[mtgrizrule]

It would be great if O'day did get back into NCAA athletics. He seems pretty happy doing what he is doing now. It would not hurt to check his interest though.

 

[BigSkyBears]

It would be great if O'day did get back into NCAA athletics. He seems pretty happy doing what he is doing now. It would not hurt to check his interest though.

I don't know if he's interested. He might hold it against UNC that he didn't get the job in '04. That same president is still at UNC that did not hire him.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

Went down I-25 a couple years ago to a SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Took a side road to bypass Denver during their rush hour at noon and, supposedly, I went through Greeley. At least that's what a sign said. Next block,..leaving Greeley. Somewhere inbetween was a campus. Northern Colorado, I think it was, but that was in a blink of the eye sort of deal. They got's an athletic's department as well?!? O.K., O.K. , a bunch of hyperbole, I know. But it didn't smell all that bad as some people make it out to be.

 

[TxGriz]

I wish they would extend I-27 from Austin to Denver.

 

[Silvertip]

The Denver Post says he didn't jump, but was pushed by UNC President Kay Norton who has annointed herself as the interim AD amid the all too familiar "no comment" response to media questions. UNC is a dead end destination and I can't imagine Jim would give any real consideration to the job. Seems he has some other things working - and going to Greeley would be a huge step down.

 

[BigSkyBears]

How was O'Day at reaching out and working with alumni and donors?

 

[mtgrizrule]

How was O'Day at reaching out and working with alumni and donors?

Very personable and professional to everyone. I would say a very strong suit of his. :thumb:

 

[BigSkyBears]

How was O'Day at reaching out and working with alumni and donors?

Very personable and professional to everyone. I would say a very strong suit of his. :thumb:

Nice. I hope he applies. Do you think he may have a difficult time getting another A.D. job? I mean considering he was fired for I guess possibly a lack of institutional control?

 

[BWahlberg]

How was O'Day at reaching out and working with alumni and donors?

Very personable and professional to everyone. I would say a very strong suit of his. :thumb:

Nice. I hope he applies. Do you think he may have a difficult time getting another A.D. job? I mean considering he was fired for I guess possibly a lack of institutional control?

On the first question of reaching out and working with alumni and donors I'd concur with what mtgrizrule said. Jim was excellent working to raise funds and used a lot of his connections to continue to build financial support for athletic expansion. I recall in a blog or podcast he'd even mentioned some learning lessons such as one quote of his that I won't forget anytime soon saying the UM "sold it soul" to Learfield. So I would think a 2nd time around he'd be more careful of marketing partnership firms.

Jim was (and still is) very forthcoming and discloses most all of what he knows. I think a lot of fans and boosters alike appreciated his style of communication which was pretty straightforward and clear.

As for difficult time getting another AD job. I don't know Jim personally too well but part of me wonders if he even WANTS to get another job as an AD and start over working with the NCAA/FCS/etc. He loves Montana and the Griz but during the move-up talks and even until recently you could sense the strain he had in dealing with the NCAA, being in the FCS and the lack of funds there compared to the FBS. Furthermore it may just be speculation but I'd wonder his true feelings on the direction of the Big Sky and if he doesn't agree with it. Total guess, he might like it, I'm not totally sure - he's always talked about higher quality programs and concerns over scheduling, travel, costs, and RPI for basketball.

 

[mtgrizrule]

How was O'Day at reaching out and working with alumni and donors?

Very personable and professional to everyone. I would say a very strong suit of his. :thumb:

Nice. I hope he applies. Do you think he may have a difficult time getting another A.D. job? I mean considering he was fired for I guess possibly a lack of institutional control?

On the first question of reaching out and working with alumni and donors I'd concur with what mtgrizrule said. Jim was excellent working to raise funds and used a lot of his connections to continue to build financial support for athletic expansion. I recall in a blog or podcast he'd even mentioned some learning lessons such as one quote of his that I won't forget anytime soon saying the UM "sold it soul" to Learfield. So I would think a 2nd time around he'd be more careful of marketing partnership firms.

Jim was (and still is) very forthcoming and discloses most all of what he knows. I think a lot of fans and boosters alike appreciated his style of communication which was pretty straightforward and clear.

As for difficult time getting another AD job. I don't know Jim personally too well but part of me wonders if he even WANTS to get another job as an AD and start over working with the NCAA/FCS/etc. He loves Montana and the Griz but during the move-up talks and even until recently you could sense the strain he had in dealing with the NCAA, being in the FCS and the lack of funds there compared to the FBS. Furthermore it may just be speculation but I'd wonder his true feelings on the direction of the Big Sky and if he doesn't agree with it. Total guess, he might like it, I'm not totally sure - he's always talked about higher quality programs and concerns over scheduling, travel, costs, and RPI for basketball.

I am sure dealing with the NCAA, conference commissioners, presidents, marketing companies, and the political side of the job is likely the worse part of my most Ad's jobs, anywhere. I do know Jim loved working with fans, athletes, coaches, and even the media. I do know he bled and still bleeds GRIZ blood. Then again, if pay was equal to or better than U of M, maybe there would be less stress and headaches to deal with at a lower profile, yet growing UNC. I think he would certainly listen and heavily consider the right offer. I do think he would want a little more empowerment and less interference than he dealt with at the U of M. I know a few things would have been different in terms of athletic department direction if he had more empowerment. Jim, is forward and honest when someone talks to him about the GRIZ and the NCAA.

A positive was his desire to better Men's Basketball. He and Wayne Tinkle certainly did that. They are proud of that. I am sure they are still frustrated by the lack of community backing for the program. I do believe Haslam is on the same trend of thought for Men's Basketball too.

 

[GrizPony]

I golfed with Jim today and I don't think he wants to get back into collegiate athletics at this time. I wouldn't guarantee it, but almost.