Next AD?

[red_n_black_attack]

There has been a lot of talk about John Cunningham being the reason we're in this mess, and I'm not 100% sure it is JC, but also pretty sure the fanbase is fed up with him. As we speculate about the next AD, who do you want? What qualities/background? Personally, I'd like to see someone with a genuine sports interest, background in running an athletic department, and if not the AD, someone in the Department who is skilled contract law. The next wave of NIL is going to likely include some form of multi-year contracts. We are going to have to be good at tapping into our large alumni base to get donations.

Another possibility is to bring in someone who can be the face of the organization with a staff to handle all of the details. I cannot see UC bringing Huggins in as coach, but possibly someone like Huggins for AD. Maybe some well respected alumni with connections and a sports administrative background. It'd be nice to have a UC connection, but not a requirement.

[London 'Cat]

I, for one, don't understand why Cunningham is the reason UC finds itself in the current situation. At the time CWM was hired, it appeared to be a good hire that most were happy with, With the benefit of hindsight, it appears it was not a good choice. He did sign CWM to an extension, with the benefit of hindsight appears to have been a mistake. But, as others have pointed out on this forum, it was likely something that any other AD may have done under the circumstances at that time.

CSS appears to have been a miss as well. While his offense has been pretty good, with some flaws, the defense is the real reason UC has not been successful in the BigXII.

The bottom line is UC has to compete in a power 4 conference without sufficient financial resources. How is that Cunningham's fault? You can argue that is his job to generate the financial resources but UC is not a blue blood program with billionaire donors lining up to donate to UC. One can not get blood from a turnip, so the saying goes.

[red_n_black_attack]

I, for one, don't understand why Cunningham is the reason UC finds itself in the current situation. At the time CWM was hired, it appeared to be a good hire that most were happy with, With the benefit of hindsight, it appears it was not a good choice. He did sign CWM to an extension, with the benefit of hindsight appears to have been a mistake. But, as others have pointed out on this forum, it was likely something that any other AD may have done under the circumstances at that time.

CSS appears to have been a miss as well. While his offense has been pretty good, with some flaws, the defense is the real reason UC has not been successful in the BigXII.

The bottom line is UC has to compete in a power 4 conference without sufficient financial resources. How is that Cunningham's fault? You can argue that is his job to generate the financial resources but UC is not a blue blood program with billionaire donors lining up to donate to UC. One can not get blood from a turnip, so the saying goes.

When these hires don't work out for the top two money generating sports, someone has to be the patsy. I think the nail in JC's coffin was extending Wes too early. There was always controversy on if CSS was a good hire. However, money, or specifically lack of NIL money, is as big a reason as any that we don't have the right talent in those major sports, and it is the function of the AD to do fundraising. UC has several wealthy alumni, including more than 10 billionaires, though it is fair to JC that these alums may not have developed a love/passion for UC sports if their time at UC was between the Gilmore/Junker days of the 50's/60's and the early 90s resurgence of basketball.

JC may have missed out on Cignetti, but so did 200 other schools/ADs. I take it as a good sign that this fanbase only accepts excellence.

[swilsonsp4]

My prediction: John Cunningham will remain in his position as AD. He will make the next decision as to who will take over the men's basketball program. There's more to the job than hiring coaches. While that's important (and the most visible aspect of his job), it isn't everything.

Let's say, just for the sake of argument, that hiring/extending Wes Miller was an error. That, in and of itself, is not a fireable offense. Cunningham has shown that he can hire quality people. I don't believe that he just pulled Jordan Bischel out of his hat or that he just got lucky.

[Bearcat93]

Satterville was getting ready to be fired from the Ville when Cunningham hired him and Miller’s data from his 10 years at UNCG pointed pretty much to this same outcome here. Two avoidable mistakes. Cunningham needs to go.

[leo from jersey]

My prediction: John Cunningham will remain in his position as AD. He will make the next decision as to who will take over the men's basketball program. There's more to the job than hiring coaches. While that's important (and the most visible aspect of his job), it isn't everything.

Let's say, just for the sake of argument, that hiring/extending Wes Miller was an error. That, in and of itself, is not a fireable offense. Cunningham has shown that he can hire quality people. I don't believe that he just pulled Jordan Bischel out of his hat or that he just got lucky.

how do the donors perceive the job and does UC have good legal counsel to handle the sticky non participating issues. One man brought in Satt and it remains to be seen. It is hard to have the media against the department and it is.