UConn names Warde Manuel new AD

[UCDaveD]

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/genrel/021212aad.html

 

[rbny1]

Welcome to UConn, Warde. He seems like a good choice with his emphasis on both academics and sports success and his relationship with the NCAA, a relationship that could be important to UConn going forward.

 

[zls44]

He helped get this built. At BUFFALO.

http://www.buffalobulls.com/facilities/wrightpracticefacility

 

[Ts5034]

Since its somebody from the outside, i wonder what his feelings are on the next head coach?

 

[zls44]

I think that because it's a guy who has some experience at a high-level program BUT was currently at a lower program will help Calhoun. If they got an AD or current assoc. AD, you'd think the power/ego of that person could lead to a clash of heads. Someone from more meager beginnings may be more wary to go head-to-head with a guy like Calhoun.

 

[Deadrody]

I think that because it's a guy who has some experience at a high-level program BUT was currently at a lower program will help Calhoun. If they got an AD or current assoc. AD, you'd think the power/ego of that person could lead to a clash of heads. Someone from more meager beginnings may be more wary to go head-to-head with a guy like Calhoun.

Yeah, I tend to doubt someone would take this job with the intent of clashing with a HOF coach. I mean, how dumb would that be ?!

Especially since the last guy to clash with Calhoun was shown the door by the current President.

 

[mets1090]

Since its somebody from the outside, i wonder what his feelings are on the next head coach?

Assuming some plan is in place as to who the next coach will be (Ollie, a former assistant, whoever), I would bet that this was explained to him and he signed on understanding that the coach was more or less already chosen.

 

[Fishy]

Assuming some plan is in place as to who the next coach will be (Ollie, a former assistant, whoever), I would bet that this was explained to him and he signed on understanding that the coach was more or less already chosen.

I guarantee you that no such deal was made.

 

[cohenzone]

I don't buy the idea of a coach naming the successor. Input, okay. The AD is the guy whose neck will be on the line regarding the choice and the person in that seat should be the one who accepts the decision and makes it his own along with the university pres. Usually, when the old coach leaves, they are not part of the program anymore. I am for someone associated with the program as the next in line only if the objective decision is that that person is the best candidate. Choosing JC's successor has to be done very wisely and carefully. To some extent, having someone come in who has a different philosophy might not be the worst thing in the world and I don't know if anyone who's come through the program will play the game much differently. I think that if the AD has the chops, he should be left to handle it and not be stuck with JC's preference unless he thinks there is no better choice.

 

[ford82]

I think Herbst will have a big a say in who the next coach is and will be very thorough in assessing all candidates.

 

[superjohn]

I'm with Fishy, no chance that conversation took place. By the way I like the hire a lot.

 

[UconnDon]

I think this guy could be a great hire! He has the educational credentials, his experience at U of Mich appeared to put him second in command when he left there for Buffalo, and his success at Buffalo was quite phenomenal, n both academic arenas and fund-raising and sports teams success.

Good job Paul P. and Susan H.

 

[Palatine]

Looks like a very savvy hire.

The Michigan credentials are more than solid. He then actually ran a department.

And, whether you agree with this or not it's true, the fact that he is one of the few minority ADs makes him virtually bulletproof when dealing with the NCAA.

 

[Cheddie]

I think Herbst will have a big a say in who the next coach is and will be very thorough in assessing all candidates.

+1

 

[freescooter]

Assuming some plan is in place as to who the next coach will be (Ollie, a former assistant, whoever), I would bet that this was explained to him and he signed on understanding that the coach was more or less already chosen.

This did not happen, I am certain. But if Mr Manuel is as smart as advertised, he has Shaka Smart on speed dial in the event that Calhoun is not physically able to return, which at his age and with this problem is not beyond the realm of possibility.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Nice first impression via press conference broadcast

 

[HuskyBballFan]

All indications are that this was a great hire.

Hopefully this makes the donors very happy and we can get the shovel in the ground on the new practice facility as soon as possible.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Herbst is nice and smart and trying really hard, and is in way over her head. The fact that she couldn't attract someone higher profile than the AD of Buffalo fits right in with her inability to get past freaking BCU's objections to UConn in the ACC, or the fact that UConn was the first major program to be hit with a postseason ban off a retroactive rule change in NCAA history. She has absolutely no political pull nationally. She strikes me as the kind of person everyone wants to succeed, but just isn't getting it done. I don't have a sense on the academic side or the fundraising side as to how she is doing, but I expect it will be similar to her failings on the athletic side. It is not a lack of effort, it is a lack of ability.

We should have just kept a proven fundraiser like Pendergast. Manuel is not higher profile than Pendergast, doesn't have a national rolodex of his own, has no evidence of accomplishing anything innovative at Buffalo, and comes from a MAC school. I am sure he is a smart guy. So are a lot of other people. Manuel has no connection to UConn, which means if he is remotely successful, he will likely leave for a higher profile job. His hiring of Quinn at Buffalo was uninspiring and looking like a failure, and the basketball program has never even made the NIT. UConn could be replacing all three major program coaches in the next 5-7 years. In thinking about Manuel, I think he is not only a step down from Pendergast, but from Hathaway too.

I am as pessimistic about the direction of UConn's athletic program as I have ever been, in a large part because of Herbst. Manuel's hiring will accomplish little for UConn.

 

[Palatine]

Nelson, you are out of your mind.

Herbst hasn't made a misstep yet. In fact, she seems downright brilliant. The AD hire is pitch perfect. She has a clear vision and is executing it without hesitation.

I suggest you re-read Manuel's resume.

 

[HuskyBballFan]

Manuel is not higher profile than Pendergast, doesn't have a national rolodex of his own, has no evidence of accomplishing anything innovative at Buffalo

1) When he arrived at Buffalo, 4 teams were under the APR threshold. All of them are now above the threshold.

2) Buffalo transitioned to FBS football under his watch.

3) Buffalo has a basketball practice facility.

I had never heard of Warde Manuel before yesterday, but those three accomplishments alone seem pretty impressive and quite relevant.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

1) When he arrived at Buffalo, 4 teams were under the APR threshold. All of them are now above the threshold.

2) Buffalo transitioned to FBS football under his watch.

3) Buffalo has a basketball practice facility.

I had never heard of Warde Manuel before yesterday, but those three accomplishments alone seem pretty impressive and quite relevant.

1) APR performance is easy when you are not competing. I have bigger issues with the APR, such as the fact that every single SEC school is in compliance despite many of their student athletes being essentially illiterate. I am not going to hold a parade for an AD on this issue.

2) Buffalo did not transition to FBS under Manuel.

3) Sure. I don't know the story for it, whether it was already in process when he got there, and how hard it was to get it done. Hathaway's accomplishments in this regard were also impressive, and he is universally considered a failure, including by me.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Nelson, you are out of your mind.

Herbst hasn't made a misstep yet. In fact, she seems downright brilliant. The AD hire is pitch perfect. She has a clear vision and is executing it without hesitation.

I suggest you re-read Manuel's resume.

Another great Palatine post with lots of conclusions and opinion and no supporting evidence.

 

[zls44]

Herbst is nice and smart and trying really hard, and is in way over her head. The fact that she couldn't attract someone higher profile than the AD of Buffalo fits right in with her inability to get past freaking BCU's objections to UConn in the ACC, or the fact that UConn was the first major program to be hit with a postseason ban off a retroactive rule change in NCAA history. She has absolutely no political pull nationally. She strikes me as the kind of person everyone wants to succeed, but just isn't getting it done. I don't have a sense on the academic side or the fundraising side as to how she is doing, but I expect it will be similar to her failings on the athletic side. It is not a lack of effort, it is a lack of ability.

We should have just kept a proven fundraiser like Pendergast. Manuel is not higher profile than Pendergast, doesn't have a national rolodex of his own, has no evidence of accomplishing anything innovative at Buffalo, and comes from a MAC school. I am sure he is a smart guy. So are a lot of other people. Manuel has no connection to UConn, which means if he is remotely successful, he will likely leave for a higher profile job. His hiring of Quinn at Buffalo was uninspiring and looking like a failure, and the basketball program has never even made the NIT. UConn could be replacing all three major program coaches in the next 5-7 years. In thinking about Manuel, I think he is not only a step down from Pendergast, but from Hathaway too.

I am as pessimistic about the direction of UConn's athletic program as I have ever been, in a large part because of Herbst. Manuel's hiring will accomplish little for UConn.

The stupid is overwhelming.

 

[Palatine]

Have you been watching?

Herbst immediately reviewed and got rid of Hathaway. That put everyone in the university on notice that a new thing was happening at UConn -- accountability.

She brought in Pendergast, who jump started fund raising and got the largest donations ever for sports.

Her new AD ran football and basketball at Michigan. And was promoted to the #2 position in the UM athletic department. Just as she said, she would hire the #1 or #2 from an elite program. Plus, he has the advantage of actually sitting in the big chair at Buffalo. He is exactly what was promised.

And you think she is in over her head? Your comments are beyond ridiculous.

 

[zls44]

Other than sitting on a board with multiple big-time FBS AD's, and working at MICHIGAN, yeah, small-time. Funny how you ignore his hire of Gill and only mention what was at the time a home run hire of Quinn (OC of one of the best offenses in the history of the conference).

BTW, Pendergast is staying. He's focusing on fundraising. It's what he's best at.