Rumor: Warde Manuel- Virginia Tech AD Finalist

[Tenspro2002]

We have no idea what Warde is thinking (if anything), but this is the perception.

Our perception: This is a lateral move, at best
VT's perception: This is a big step up

National media/fan's perception: VT and Warde would both consider this a step up, thus UConn is an athletic program on the way out

The first two don't matter, the last one does. And whether or not Warde actually leaves, the fact that this is out publicly furthers the idea that we're a second-tier program. There's been a lot of news and commentary along those lines, with little to counter it, and this only makes it worse.

 

[bear]

Perhaps I'm a bit naive but does this indicate mutual interest? Is it possible that he hasn't even thought about a change and this is just VT wanting to interview him because they think he's a good candidate?

Or do you have to throw your hat in the ring for these kinds of things?

 

[2Infinity]

So let me get this right. A reporter for the Courant is using a blogger as his source for a story of this magnitude. Furthermore, the blogger is openly questioning the validity of his source for this "rumor". Then the Boneyard posters are taking off with this, as if it's fact, questioning why Warde would do this, assuming it must have something to do with our future, some even insulting him personally as well. Finally some are using it to bash our university further. This is crazy! As for me, when we get some "news", then it can be addressed. In the meantime, what a waste of time and energy!

 

[Mots010]

Warde is going to leave Uconn for the first P5 job he can get. Why is everyone surprised here? And as it stands now, VT is a step up from Uconn as an AD job.

 

[upstater]

Jacobs is just trying to flush Warde out. The blogger apparently is well trusted as a top source for VT stuff, that's why Jacobs went with it.

I expect Warde to deny this sometime today, and if he doesn't... well...

 

[freescooter]

Jacobs is just trying to flush Warde out. The blogger apparently is well trusted as a top source for VT stuff, that's why Jacobs went with it.

I expect Warde to deny this sometime today, and if he doesn't... well...

Right. But even if he denies it, doesn't mean he isn't going to turn up in Blacksburg in a couple of weeks.

 

[Goat]

Average BY post:
"I was looking up at the sun and a cloud moved in the way. I think the sun may be gone!"
"You know I read somewhere that the sun is going to burn out someday."
"Stupid the NCAA never lets UConn get any sunshine anyway."
"All I know is - somebody needs a hat."
Chorus - "We are doomed!"

page 5 - Reporter tweets that the cloud has moved and the sun is still there.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Warde is going to leave Uconn for the first P5 job he can get. Why is everyone surprised here? And as it stands now, VT is a step up from Uconn as an AD job.

Nonsense. It isn't. The conference is one aspect of the situation for an AD. Who is the President? What are the facilities like? Who are your coaches? Does the school have any brand equity? What are your revenues? What kind of history do you have?

VT is a mediocre school, with no athletic history to speak of except a good run from Frank Beamer, who is 67 and won't be around long . The brand is zilch. It's probably the least appealing school in the ACC. It is less appealing than any school in the B1G or SEC. Maybe Washington State would be worse in the Pac. UConn is much more recognizable nationally as a brand. I would be shocked if Warde left UConn for VT. I could see the Cinci AD (also on the list) making the jump however. Warde will hold out for a B1G job, that's his part of the country and where he wants to be.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

Were there is smoke there is fire.
Did we actually expect to keep a Rock Star?
Lock at the bright side we gain a possible ally in the ACC football group.

 

[tykurez]

Average BY post:
"I was looking up at the sun and a cloud moved in the way. I think the sun may be gone!"
"You know I read somewhere that the sun is going to burn out someday."
"Stupid the NCAA never lets UConn get any sunshine anyway."
"All I know is - somebody needs a hat."
Chorus - "We are doomed!"

page 5 - Reporter tweets that the cloud has moved and the sun is still there.

And it's always Warde's fault. In this case, his largeness has blocked out the sun at UConn ... for good.

 

[storrsroars]

Not a good idea insulting WM here.

That said, if he did leave, what's an option? Offer the Cincy AD the job? And if he takes it at least we know we're in better shape than them?

 

[Marat]

www.courant.com/sports/uconn-huskies/hc-warde-manuel-virginia-tech-0123-20140122,0,6627955.story

 

[The Viking]

If true, that is a very bad omen. He's seen the future and it is bleak for UConn getting into a P5.

Cripes.

 

[The Viking]

Has a reporter come out yet and said "We've tried to contact Warde and he is not returning calls".

Because of this that's the case, well

 

[Penfield]

Jim Fuller ‏@NHRJimFuller3m
Statement coming shortly from #UConn stating that Warde Manuel is not candidate for AD job at Va. Tech http://Post original url/1jnCsQT

 

[Richmondhsky]

Nonsense. It isn't. The conference is one aspect of the situation for an AD. Who is the President? What are the facilities like? Who are your coaches? Does the school have any brand equity? What are your revenues? What kind of history do you have?

VT is a mediocre school, with no athletic history to speak of except a good run from Frank Beamer, who is 67 and won't be around long . The brand is zilch. It's probably the least appealing school in the ACC. It is less appealing than any school in the B1G or SEC. Maybe Washington State would be worse in the Pac. UConn is much more recognizable nationally as a brand. I would be shocked if Warde left UConn for VT. I could see the Cinci AD (also on the list) making the jump however. Warde will hold out for a B1G job, that's his part of the country and where he wants to be.

VT is not a mediocre school, it is a good school. I would be shocked if there are meaningful differences in the average SAT etc between us and VT...I'll leave the details to someone like Upstater who most likely knows. Facilities (football) are good. Their brand is all about football and ours is basketball...both are national brands. Less appealing then Wake? Purdue? Rutgers? They pack 65K to 70K every home game and they travel pretty darn well...the stadium actually shakes when they enter, place goes crazy to Enter the Sandman. They are a P5 conference...we are not

 

[upstater]

VT is not a mediocre school, it is a good school. I would be shocked if there are meaningful differences in the average SAT etc between us and VT...I'll leave the details to someone like Upstater who most likely knows. Facilities (football) are good. Their brand is all about football and ours is basketball...both are national brands. Less appealing then Wake? Purdue? Rutgers? They pack 65K to 70K every home game and they travel pretty darn well...the stadium actually shakes when they enter, place goes crazy to Enter the Sandman. They are a P5 conference...we are not

Football rules. VT = football.

I can't imagine that academics matter anywhere anymore.

Someone tweeted that Shabazz was in their Physics class this morning at 8 am.

All of this stuff boggles my mind.

 

[HuskyHawk]

VT is not a mediocre school, it is a good school. I would be shocked if there are meaningful differences in the average SAT etc between us and VT...I'll leave the details to someone like Upstater who most likely knows. Facilities (football) are good. Their brand is all about football and ours is basketball...both are national brands. Less appealing then Wake? Purdue? Rutgers? They pack 65K to 70K every home game and they travel pretty darn well...the stadium actually shakes when they enter, place goes crazy to Enter the Sandman. They are a P5 conference...we are not

It's a fine school, but the football is trending down and may trend sharply down when Beamer retires. As a brand, they don't come close. I've lived in CA and the midwest and I've seen UConn hats and shirts routinely in LA, San Jose, Seattle and elsewhere. VT is non-existent outside Virginia. Check their merchandising. They don't even make the top 75, so are behind Montana State and James Madison. I'm sure Warde would view Purdue and Rutgers more favorably.

 

[LIUCHusky]

Jim Fuller ‏@NHRJimFuller3m
Statement coming shortly from #UConn stating that Warde Manuel is not candidate for AD job at Va. Tech http://Post original url/1jnCsQT

Warde is not a candidate for the Va Tech job. He has not interviewed and is not interested in the job.

 

[2Infinity]

Right. But even if he denies it, doesn't mean he isn't going to turn up in Blacksburg in a couple of weeks.

Looks like you're on the clock then Scooter!

Manuel was quoted as saying this a short time ago..."I am not a candidate, have not been interviewed nor have I been contacted by Virginia Tech about its Director of Athletics position despite some recent media reports. I am very happy as the Director of Athletics at UConn and look forward to continuing to work with President Herbst, my coaches, staff, student-athletes, donors and fans to enjoy a high level of continued success in athletics at UConn. I wish Virginia Tech all the best in their search to replace, one of the legends in our business, Jim Weaver.”

Sorry you didn't get your wish of him leaving...but I think there are a lot of Husky fans who think he has done a great job and are happy he's staying! The constant moaning of some "fans" just gets ridiculous at times.

 

[Richmondhsky]

It's a fine school, but the football is trending down and may trend sharply down when Beamer retires. As a brand, they don't come close. I've lived in CA and the midwest and I've seen UConn hats and shirts routinely in LA, San Jose, Seattle and elsewhere. VT is non-existent outside Virginia. Check their merchandising. They don't even make the top 75, so are behind Montana State and James Madison. I'm sure Warde would view Purdue and Rutgers more favorably.

Did you read the rankings? They are ahead of us! We are ranked 53rd and they are 27th. Made my arguement

 

[bmayuc]

"nor have I been contacted by Virginia Tech"

Duh, search firms exist so you can say this lawyerese.

Probably nothing, but as someone who reads a ton of lawyer written documents professionally, it seemed odd to me.

 

[Bezzz]

VT is not a mediocre school, it is a good school. I would be shocked if there are meaningful differences in the average SAT etc between us and VT...t

I lo0ked it up. Average combined SAT of accepted incoming students:
UCONN 1820
VT 1820

 

[Inyatkin]

Jim Fuller ‏@NHRJimFuller3m
Statement coming shortly from #UConn stating that Warde Manuel is not candidate for AD job at Va. Tech http://Post original url/1jnCsQT

That can't be right, I read a bunch of posts saying he's leaving and UConn athletics is doomed forever.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Did you read the rankings? They are ahead of us! We are ranked 53rd and they are 27th. Made my arguement

My mistake, missed it.

 

[freescooter]

Looks like you're on the clock then Scooter!

Manuel was quoted as saying this a short time ago..."I am not a candidate, have not been interviewed nor have I been contacted by Virginia Tech about its Director of Athletics position despite some recent media reports. I am very happy as the Director of Athletics at UConn and look forward to continuing to work with President Herbst, my coaches, staff, student-athletes, donors and fans to enjoy a high level of continued success in athletics at UConn. I wish Virginia Tech all the best in their search to replace, one of the legends in our business, Jim Weaver.”

Sorry you didn't get your wish of him leaving...but I think there a lot of Husky fans who think he has done a great job and are happy he's staying! The constant moaning of some "fans" just gets ridiculous at times.

I am too, but I was really commenting on these statements. It isn't that uncommon for a coach or AD to pledge his undying loyalty at 2 o'clock and announce he's leaving at 4:30. This osunds like a pretty firm denial by WM, alas, but I recall Edsall telling us he'd be here as long as Uconn would have him. Didn't the new Louisville coach announce he was staying at UL then announce he was going to the NFL in the same day a few years ago?

 

[2Infinity]

I am too, but I was really commenting on these statements. It isn't that uncommon for a coach or AD to pledge his undying loyalty at 2 o'clock and announce he's leaving at 4:30. This osunds like a pretty firm denial by WM, alas, but I recall Edsall telling us he'd be here as long as Uconn would have him. Didn't the new Louisville coach announce he was staying at UL then announce he was going to the NFL in the same day a few years ago?

That was Bobby Petrino...when you have no morals or ethics...you can say whatever you want! Heck...if you wait long enough....the very people you lied to years earlier...might even hire you back!

Warde is definitely not from Petrino-world! He has class, pride in his reputation and integrity as well!

 

[ZenConn]

Average BY post:
"I was looking up at the sun and a cloud moved in the way. I think the sun may be gone!"
"You know I read somewhere that the sun is going to burn out someday."
"Stupid the NCAA never lets UConn get any sunshine anyway."
"All I know is - Ed Cooley needs a hat."
Chorus - "We are doomed!"

page 5 - Reporter tweets that the cloud has moved and the sun is still there.

Fixed it for you.

 

[upstater]

I am too, but I was really commenting on these statements. It isn't that uncommon for a coach or AD to pledge his undying loyalty at 2 o'clock and announce he's leaving at 4:30. This osunds like a pretty firm denial by WM, alas, but I recall Edsall telling us he'd be here as long as Uconn would have him. Didn't the new Louisville coach announce he was staying at UL then announce he was going to the NFL in the same day a few years ago?

There's a world of difference between a non-denial denial and what Warde said.

 

[storrsroars]

James Franklin:
"I am still the head coach at Vanderbilt for another two hours."