Whit Babcock and VT opening

[Lobot]

This has been floating for a few days. VT has Whit on their short list for AD. According to Tom Groeschen, he has not "applied" for the job. However it doesn't mean he hasn't interviewed for it.

Many noticed he wasn't at last nights game which isn't entirely unusual but given the circumstances, it added fuel to the fire.

I think comes down to this. He's a candidate and that's all we know.

[uccat04]

Tom Groeschen:
UPDATE: Appearing more likely that Babcock may leave #UC for VaTech AD job, sources tell us. #bearcats

Hopefully it's a sign that they offered a lot more money and not a sign that there's no hope of getting out of the AAC.

[Rational Cat]

I posted this on the other thread and will say it here now:

It's just danged depressing that we can't keep anyone here for more than a cup of coffee these days. 3 University presidents, 3 AD's, and 4 football coaches in the space of merely 10 years.

We're always starting over again, can never gain any traction and propel forward. I would love to be excited about the future of UC athletics, but when those in charge keep leaving, that's tough. I have more appreciation for Mick Cronin than I have ever had.

Whit was so visibly po'd at Butch last year, and if this is true, (and Groeschen says it's looking likely), how is Whit any different than BJ? I wish I could remember what he said at that time about loyalty, but I can't remember...

[Lobot]

Nothing official has been announced but it appears this is done and Whit's gone. Don't inscribe it in stone quite yet but it seems to be headed there.

[Rational Cat]

Let me guess, it's his "dream job."

I just jumped on board with a 3 year commit to the new seats at Nippert. I guess, given my experience with UC over the years, that I should have known better than to be excited, and instead wait for the kick in the nuts I know is coming.

Yeah, we don't invest in any one person, we invest our money and fandom in the Bearcats. But when all of those who run the Bearcats keep fleeing, it's hard to keep your chin up.

[Bearcat_Fan]

I wonder how that affects Tuberville. He came here at least partially because Whit was here. Really disappointed if this ends up being true...

[Lobot]

It could only be a sign that he's from Virginia.

[nolte50uc]

i certainly would prefer he stays at UC, but every high-profile replacement (Prez, AD, football/basketball coach) that's been hired has been more than qualified, if not an upgrade. i'm not going to lose any sleep or be too upset if he ends up leaving.

i'm confident Prez Ono will hire a replacemnet that is 100% aligned with his vision and capable of executing it...again, hoping that doesn't need to happen, though.

[TheDog]

Perhaps with Whit at Virginia Tech we'll have an ally of sorts in the ACC. I really don't want to lose him though. I have confidence in Prez Ono hiring a replacement,

[Lobot]

I raised that issue on Twitter and had several people shoot me down. ADs don't have a vote on expansion candidates. University Presidents do. Whit could theoretically have no pull at all. However I prefer to think he would at least be consulted by VT Pres/Chancellor.

[Joco45215]

I wonder how that affects Tuberville. He came here at least partially because Whit was here. Really disappointed if this ends up being true...

T.T.'s wife is from right over the boarder in Indiana, lets just hope for a happy marriage, My father in law used to work for her family years ago. I think as long as an SEC school or other big boys don't come calling we are ok

[bearcattom]

Cincinnati in General

People, businesses love to be here but eventually....leave Cincinnati for better opportunities (unless you have family, personal reasons to stay).

It's a great place to live but very conservative...a pain in the @ss to get things done.

As others have mentioned, MC suddenly has a lot more leverage.

[Lobot]

Presser for VT is set for next week. It's over. He's gone.

[GoBearcats31]

Presser for VT is set for next week. It's over. He's gone.

Disappointing, but happy for him. Kind of Mike Zimmer-type reaction.

Fact is, if these guys want to make it to a good conference, can't stay at UC.

[GoCats1994]

While he'll likely get a raise - I can't imagine that he would make this move if there was anything imminent on the conference movement front.

Tells me it's a sign that UC is in the AAC for the forseeable future.