Warde's long, strong ties to Parker Exec. Search

[Nostical]

J187 has it exactly right. Let's stop with the analysis of whether search firms are worth it. We have hired one and Warde has some clout within its ranks. He is not new to the process of using a search firm. I'm also sure he's learned a few things along the way. And Warde will be choosing among some very credible and viable candidates given the salary range. Hathaway wanted to keep things on the low end-- even though the PP contract wasn't that bad. But he would never have walked into the Pres office and said to the Board "we need $2.5M to keep growing the program". He had neither the balls nor the credibility. WM appears to have both.

 

[ruskin]

Thanks JMoney - very refreshing to get a polite, thoughtful and well-reasoned post. I'm just not convinced Parker is that much more capable of persuading skeptical candidates or agents to listen than Warde or his unpaid network can on their own. In the end, Warde's list will probably be more limited by what UConn can pay -- would be very very surprised if it ends up over 2.25 million -- than an inability to connect. The coaches' agents, who I suspect have a very good idea of what UConn can pay and offer, might be better allies for UConn in this process than Parker, and you don't have to worry about paying them. It's the odd coach without an agent (wonder how many of those there are?) where Parker might be helpful.

 

[J187Money]

Thanks JMoney - very refreshing to get a polite, thoughtful and well-reasoned post. I'm just not convinced Parker is that much more capable of persuading skeptical candidates or agents to listen than Warde or his unpaid network can on their own. In the end, Warde's list will probably be more limited by what UConn can pay -- would be very very surprised if it ends up over 2.25 million -- than an inability to connect. The coaches' agents, who I suspect have a very good idea of what UConn can pay and offer, might be better allies for UConn in this process than Parker, and you don't have to worry about paying them. It's the odd coach without an agent (wonder how many of those there are?) where Parker might be helpful.

Could be. But I'm not sure about that. When you speak directly to candidates you can end up negotiating against yourself before it is even determined if there is an offer. It is a weird thing to call someone directly and then when you turn out not to want them to have to tell them directly you don't. And if you don't handle that correctly you can ruin your rep.

The layer of insulation usually helps. Unless Warde has a direct connection to someone I'd much rather there was an intermediary.

 

[J187Money]

And I don't know why people need to be nasty about it. We definitely disagree, but maybe I'm colored by the fact that I've been on both sides of retained, contingency and personal searches before (which probably gives me a unique perspective).

 

[ruskin]

J187 has it exactly right. Let's stop with the analysis of whether search firms are worth it. We have hired one and Warde has some clout within its ranks. He is not new to the process of using a search firm. I'm also sure he's learned a few things along the way. And Warde will be choosing among some very credible and viable candidates given the salary range. Hathaway wanted to keep things on the low end-- even though the PP contract wasn't that bad. But he would never have walked into the Pres office and said to the Board "we need $2.5M to keep growing the program". He had neither the balls nor the credibility. WM appears to have both.

Always thought JH set the P price based on Edsall's contract with Md. alone. ... . as for WM, at least I hope he gets the Parker 'family' discount

According to the terms of the contract, Parker Executive Search lowered its standard fee of $90,000 to $70,000, including out-of-pocket expenses, "due to ongoing business" with Rutgers. Rutgers was required to pay $35,000 once the contract was executed and $35,000 30 days after "the hiring of a successful candidate."

According to the contract, Parker Executive Search agreed to assist Rutgers in identifying candidates through a "comprehensive search process." It says the firm "uses both original research as well as a careful review of its database" through throughout the search.

 

[whaler11]

If Warde had the balls referenced in this thread... this thread would have happened last December.

 

[Dooley]

Personally, I have no problem with hiring a consulting firm and its expense. To add what JMoney said a few posts earlier, I like the added layer of security that they provide in doing the background checks and resume confirmations. While the hire is ultimately Warde's/UCONN's, there is at least someone to blame if our hire didn't graduate from Yale like he said he did or hid a history of assault. While I have no idea if Notre Dame, Pitt, or RU went through a firm to find their embarrassing hires, it's definitely something that UCONN can't afford after this woodshed of a season.

 

[whaler11]

Personally, I have to problem with hiring a consulting firm and its expense. To add what JMoney said a few posts earlier, I like the added layer of security that they provide in doing the background checks and resume confirmations. While the hire is ultimately Warde's/UCONN's, there is at least someone to blame if our hire didn't graduate from Yale like he said he did or hid a history of assault. While I have no idea if Notre Dame, Pitt, or RU went through a firm to find their embarrassing hires, it's definitely something that UCONN can't afford after this woodshed of a season.

So why not check if those schools used a firm to make those embarrassing hires... And when you find out some did... maybe the 'security' they add is a figment of people's imagination.

This specific firm did a bang up job for Rutgers.

 

[whaler11]

Parker has also been involved in some
other tremendous hires:

Kelvin Sampson at Indiana
Billy Gillespie at Kentucky
Mike Haywood at Pitt
Derek Dooley at Tennessee

Hey if everyone thinks it's a great idea for the University of Connecticut to spend 100k+ to further Warde Manuel's relationship with Parker - who am I to argue. Based on what I've seen to date the sooner they get him to another school the better off we'll be.

 

[Dooley]

Serious question: why is hiring a search firm so heavily debated?

 

[huskymedic]

So why not check if those schools used a firm to make those embarrassing hires... And when you find out some did... maybe the 'security' they add is a figment of people's imagination.

This specific firm did a bang up job for Rutgers.

They found and notified Rutgers of the two lawsuits Hermann was involved in... Rutgers still did what Rutgers did.

They own Gillespie - they were absolved of the Haywood mess.

The successes outnumber the few misfires all said and done across the board.

 

[whaler11]

Serious question: why is hiring a search firm so heavily debated?

Because it funnels money away from public institutions to a handful of power brokers who have obvious conflicts of interest.

 

[whaler11]

They found and notified Rutgers of the two lawsuits Hermann was involved in... Rutgers still did what Rutgers did.

The successes outnumber the few misfires all said and done across the board.

Please - they add absolutely no value to anyone but the people who benefit financially from the transactions.

UConn is arguably the best head coaching job in the non Power 5 conferences. The school has the ability to pay as much if not more than any non Power 5 school.

Is someone not going to interview because their MAC or Sun Belt employer might find out? The job only pays 3 or 4 times more than those schools can afford.

I get all the stated reasons why they use the firms. There are two winners in UConn using Parker: Parker and Warde.

 

[Dooley]

Because it funnels money away from public institutions to a handful of power brokers who have obvious conflicts of interest.

Okay thanks, I was just asking to understand the argument. At the end of the day, I just want UCONN to make a good hire. I don't have strong enough feelings one way or the other to fervently debate this topic and was curious what reasons there were to debate it.

Collegiate sports are very shady and secretive, as a whole. Conference realignment, coaching carousels, recruiting promises, empowered boosters, and governing entities that pick and choose who to punish (UCONN) and who to ignore (UNC). I've never really given it much thought before but it seems like these firms follow those same shady methods that all of the NCAA follows. I guess it's a larger sphere argument: keep up with the Jonses or take a stand?

Give me Pat Narduzzi, Dan Mullen or Pete Lembo on December 6 and I'll be a happy man regardless of how he got here.

 

[huskymedic]

Is someone not going to interview because their MAC or Sun Belt employer might find out? The job only pays 3 or 4 times more than those schools can afford.

Would you agree that those type of coaches still need to exercise discretion so they end up remaining employed if they don't get the job and that is where a outside firm comes into play?

I have found that most head hunters/consulting firms are incestuous in nature...

 

[whaler11]

Would you agree that those type of coaches still need to exercise discretion and that is where a outside firm comes into play?

I have found that most head hunters/consulting firms are incestuous in nature...

If you are Texas and are interviewing head coaches from other major schools I guess that could be an argument - if you are UConn and interviewing MAC head coaches and P5 coordinators... It's not exactly a secret those coaches are looking to quadruple their salary.

The whole thing is overblown anyway. Reasonable people understand that people talk about job opportunities. Fans certainly forget - does anyone even remember Jim Calhoun and South Carolina?

Everyone at Ball State knows Lembo is going somewhere at some point - what are they going to do - fire him for interviewing with UConn? They would be thrilled to keep him another year.

 

[whaler11]

Okay thanks, I was just asking to understand the argument. At the end of the day, I just want UCONN to make a good hire. I don't have strong enough feelings one way or the other to fervently debate this topic and was curious what reasons there were to debate it.

Collegiate sports are very shady and secretive, as a whole. Conference realignment, coaching carousels, recruiting promises, empowered boosters, and governing entities that pick and choose who to punish (UCONN) and who to ignore (UNC). I've never really given it much thought before but it seems like these firms follow those same shady methods that all of the NCAA follows. I guess it's a larger sphere argument: keep up with the Jonses or take a stand?

Give me Pat Narduzzi, Dan Mullen or Pete Lembo on December 6 and I'll be a happy man regardless of how he got here.

This specific firm is in so deep with the NCAA it's actually humorous. Who do you think helps hire all the super effective NCAA executives?

 

[formerlurker]

OP is right. It's a total and complete scam.

Caught herself a whale.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Whaler is 100% correct.

You hire a search firm to find candidates. In this case, Warde could find all the candidates he wants in a day or two of surfing the web. There is no reason to pay this firm $100k.

 

[Colt house75]

Whaler is 100% correct.

You hire a search firm to find candidates. In this case, Warde could find all the candidates he wants in a day or two of surfing the web. There is no reason to pay this firm $100k.

Perhaps, just a thought.....but between agents and search firms...you are able to indirectly get to Mullen, Lembo etc and vet out so that when their respective regular season's end, by 11/30 (for Lembo)..direct conversations can begin and by 12/6 at THE LATEST, we have our new head coach, it is $$$ well spent. Recruiting starts earlier than expected, and we get a jump ....from a $$$$ perspective, it is monies well spent when you consider attendance at the RENT just shrunk from 40K plus to 27K plus at average ticket price spread over 7 home games is $2,000,000 and rising in lost gate revenue if you don't get the right guy...plus all the other negatives of not getting somebody in right away.

 

[J187Money]

Whaler is 100% correct.

You hire a search firm to find candidates. In this case, Warde could find all the candidates he wants in a day or two of surfing the web. There is no reason to pay this firm $100k.

That's only part of what a search firm does. In the case of major college football jobs, probably the least important part.

I marvel at all of the people here who think Warde is a dope, but at the same time he and his staff should be able to not only pick a coach but handle the pr/negotiations and close someone without any help. He is either a dope or he isn't. But he can't be both.

It seems like people want him to fail. It can't possibly be relevant to anyone here whether money is spent on a search firm or not.

 

[ZooCougar]

Part of this is also about coughing up a schilling. But it definitely simplifies issues like access. We're competing for a new coach, no selecting one.

If you think this is about actually searching for a coach and that Google is just as good then you are completely not getting this,

 

[Husky25]

Hey. Listings change all the time on Monster.com and careerbuilder. Slim pickings for Head College Football Coach though. Me thinks the money will be a worth while investment at the end of the day.

As has been said before, Mr. Manuel probably has a few names on his list and the search firm will probably recommend a few more in their database based on Mr. Manuel's criteria. The search firm will vet all of the candidates on the list. In the end, the final decision rests with the school, not the consultant.

 

[whaler11]

That's only part of what a search firm does. In the case of major college football jobs, probably the least important part.

I marvel at all of the people here who think Warde is a dope, but at the same time he and his staff should be able to not only pick a coach but handle the pr/negotiations and close someone without any help. He is either a dope or he isn't. But he can't be both.

It seems like people want him to fail. It can't possibly be relevant to anyone here whether money is spent on a search firm or not.

I fully understand why they do it. I don't really care if they do it. I commented earlier I was involved in the exact same type of transaction earlier this week.

I'm merely commenting on the fact at the end of the day the $100k+ spent benefits Warde and Parker and not the University. The outcomes are no better with Parker and let's not pretend that Warde isn't the biggest beneficiary of the expense.

If Warde isn't up to the challenge without a crutch like Parker maybe he's not the rock star he's been described as.

 

[ZooCougar]

Whaler is 100% correct.

You hire a search firm to find candidates. In this case, Warde could find all the candidates he wants in a day or two of surfing the web. There is no reason to pay this firm $100k.

That's actually not why you hire a search firm.

If Warde had the balls referenced in this thread... this thread would have happened last December.

True, and I would be willing to bet that he regrets not making that decision.

 

[J187Money]

I fully understand why they do it. I don't really care if they do it. I commented earlier I was involved in the exact same type of transaction earlier this week.

I'm merely commenting on the fact at the end of the day the $100k+ spent benefits Warde and Parker and not the University. The outcomes are no better with Parker and let's not pretend that Warde isn't the biggest beneficiary of the expense.

If Warde isn't up to the challenge without a crutch like Parker maybe he's not the rock star he's been described as.

Of course the outcomes aren't any better in terms of wins/losses with or without Parker. Parker doesn't make the decision and doesn't coach the team. But, for example, if you were able to get access to a Smart because Parker has a great relationship with Smart's agent, who might have not even returned a call from Warde himself, it is hard to say the school doesn't benefit. Smart could also come here and flame out even though he would cost a ton. That wouldn't be Parker's fault.

And I'm on record saying that this ABSOLUTELY benefits Warde. But that's fine with me. All I want is that Warde "gets to" EVERY person on his list and then makes a great decision. If paying Parker gets us better access, then great. I believe that it will.

 

[Husky25]

Of course the outcomes aren't any better in terms of wins/losses with or without Parker. Parker doesn't make the decision and doesn't coach the team. But, for example, if you were able to get access to a Smart because Parker has a great relationship with Smart's agent, who might have not even returned a call from Warde himself, it is hard to say the school doesn't benefit. Smart could also come here and flame out even though he would cost a ton. That wouldn't be Parker's fault.

And I'm on record saying that this ABSOLUTELY benefits Warde. But that's fine with me. All I want is that Warde "gets to" EVERY person on his list and then makes a great decision. If paying Parker gets us better access, then great. I believe that it will.

One other advantage of a search firm that is completely lost on people is that they are advocates for the position.

If Manuel calls Narduzzi (or his reps), for example, there is a chance that Narduzzi dismisses the opportunity out of hand and may not answer or call back, merely based on preconceived biases against the school/program/position. They've all been mentioned here before, smallish off campus stadium, Northeast program, non-"power" conference, constant complaints on some fan page, etc.

The "search" firm not only breaks through the receptionist barrier, but they also can sell the position (Stadium is expandable, passionate fan base, growing academia aiming for higher affiliations, salary, ridiculous level of state support from a state that is not bankrupt...like Michigan).

Edit: expanded = expandable.

 

[J187Money]

One other advantage of a search firm that is completely lost on people is that they are advocates for the position.

If Manuel calls Narduzzi (or his reps), for example, there is a chance that Narduzzi dismisses the opportunity out of hand and may not answer or call back, merely based on preconceived biases against the school/program/position. They've all been mentioned here before, smallish off campus stadium, Northeast program, non-"power" conference, constant complaints on some fan page, etc.

The "search" firm not only breaks through the receptionist barrier, but they also can sell the position (Stadium is expanded, passionate fan base, growing academia aiming for higher affiliations, salary, ridiculous level of state support from a state that is not bankrupt...like Michigan)

Exactly. They can do the "sales" job that people here crucified Warde for NOT doing when the ACC process was going on.

 

[Waquoit]

Exactly. They can do the "sales" job that people here crucified Warde for NOT doing when the ACC process was going on.

What are we paying Warde for again?

 

[huskymedic]

What are we paying Warde for again?

a. To utilize all available options and tools to position the athletic department for continued success?

b. Be better at his job than Jeff Hathaway?

c. A and B.