#10: SBJ’s Smith reports the final four candidates in the NCAA President search consisted of three with notable backgrounds in politics “either as a governor or senator,” plus one traditional profile “who previously was an AD.” Further: “Tom McMillen, a former U.S. Congressman and now president and CEO of LEAD1, the FBS AD trade association, also was approached about the position. [...] The priority that was placed on having a working knowledge of governmental wheeling and dealing reflects just how much the NCAA expects to lean on Congress for help with creating a new model for college athletics.” (link)
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#9: The CSAC and United East have announced an intent to merge next fall "provided all conditions set by both conferences are met." Notable: "The merger is intended to address the evolving landscape of higher education by stabilizing conference membership and solidifying the sport sponsorship currently offered by the existing conferences. This merger will also provide member institutions an opportunity to decrease the number of associate memberships necessary to support the current sport offerings on each respective campus. ... The Implementation Task Force will be led by Stephanie Dutton, current United East Commissioner, and will be composed of both current commissioners and two athletic directors from each conference. Upon completion of the merge, all current conference employees will remain employed by the combined entity. The leadership structure of the new conference will be established and announced prior to the start of business operations as a new entity." (link); More insights from D3Sports' Coleman and McHugh: "Hoopsville and D3sports.com have learned that the two conferences, which total 17 schools, will be announcing that they are merging, and may play in north and south divisions as the number of sports warrants. ... The conference would be large, but the coming demographic fall-off of college-age students which will start in 2026 has higher education, and by extension, small college athletics, looking to firm up their enrollment, which is why a number of schools have recently announced that they are adding football. Elsewhere, moves like this will ensure that, even though 17 schools is more than is needed for an automatic bid, conferences will still have bids available not just in basketball, but sports such as men's volleyball, field hockey, men's lacrosse and others." (link)
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#8: Saint Mary's (MN) selects high school HC Pucci as its next MSOC HC. (link) |
#7: John Carroll selects Union FB HC Behrman for the same position in University Heights. Blue Streaks AD Morgan: "Jeff is a proven winner and Man of Carroll. Jeff is an elite communicator with high football acumen, as well as a humble and transformative leader. His track record at Union is impressive, as he knows how to lead a successful Division III program.” (link)
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#6: TCNJ WSOC HC McDermott will not return after just one season, per The Trentonian. (link) |
#5: AL.com reports on a letter from state lawmakers that indicates “Birmingham-Southern has been operating in financial distress for over a decade. Without support, it will not be able to continue to operate after May 2023.” In order to cover projected deficits through FY26, BSC President Coleman is seeking $30M in state funding, $5M from the city of Birmingham and $2.5M from Jefferson County. Coleman has reportedly raised $45M in private funding toward a goal of $200M. The public funding “would enable the fundraising to continue for three more years so that BSC can replace its endowment and continue to operate as an independent college.” (link)
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#4: Lynchburg reported a $12M budget deficit as enrollment has fallen from 2,100 to under 1,600 since 2018. The university will look to cut $3M from that deficit in the next year. (link) |
#3: Oberlin has paid out the complete $25M judgment in its libel lawsuit with local business owners the Gibsons. (link) |
#2: DePauw hires Loras MSOC HC McCarthy for the same position in Greencastle. (link) |
#1: Track this week's administrative changes, including moves at Nichols and Washington College on The Wire on Collegiate Sports Connect. (link) |