EJ for AD?

[GT74]

Can anyone not think he is a great option for AD if Barnes leaves? The man is all Pitt, has been around the AD office for a period of time, and certainly would stay as long as he could. He would be great PR, and, with his pride and experience with the university would do everything in his power to make Pitt athletics better.

 

[vegasgreed]

As far as I can tell, he's a PR guy but not qualified to be a AD.

 

[GT74]

As far as I can tell, he's a PR guy but not qualified to be a AD.

What qualifications are needed? I'm sure he can hire a qualified financial person as an ass't. I really don't know what degrees or background needed, but I know he would do everything he could to make Pitt great. There are more qualified people out there I'm sure, but no one as loyal or dedicated to Pitt.

 

[UPitt '89]

EJ would be a great choice... and he is ready.

 

[Consultant Panther]

As far as I can tell, he's a PR guy but not qualified to be a AD.

Why not? What are the exact qualifications?

 

[9nationalchampionships]

If he can fundraise then everything else can be delegated. I think EJ would do a fine job!

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

EJ would be a great choice... and he is ready.

How would anyone know this? And I'm not trying to be a jerk. He's been around forever and he clearly loves Pitt. But that doesn't mean he's "ready".

 

[JD1976]

How would anyone know this? And I'm not trying to be a jerk. He's been around forever and he clearly loves Pitt. But that doesn't mean he's "ready".

This was my first reaction too, but then I thought what qualifications did Barry Alvarez, Joe Paterno or Jim Tressel have to be ADs? They were football coaches. AD jobs are mostly about fundraising, managing University politics and being the face of the Athletic Department in most cases. The business end of the department can be run by a business-minded Assistant AD. I wouldn't discount someone like an EJ though there do have to be many more experienced options out there.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

They way EJ handled Fraud's comments when he left tell me that even though he is humble person he also has large ones!

 

[HailToPitt725]

This was my first reaction too, but then I thought what qualifications did Barry Alvarez, Joe Paterno or Jim Tressel have to be ADs? They were football coaches. AD jobs are mostly about fundraising, managing University politics and being the face of the Athletic Department in most cases. The business end of the department can be run by a business-minded Assistant AD. I wouldn't discount someone like an EJ though there do have to be many more experienced options out there.

That's a pretty good point.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

This was my first reaction too, but then I thought what qualifications did Barry Alvarez, Joe Paterno or Jim Tressel have to be ADs? They were football coaches. AD jobs are mostly about fundraising, managing University politics and being the face of the Athletic Department in most cases. The business end of the department can be run by a business-minded Assistant AD. I wouldn't discount someone like an EJ though there do have to be many more experienced options out there.

Yes, they were just football coaches. And they were also the public face of their respective universities. Coupled with the fact that they had the gravitas to move mountains with apparel and media conglomerates.

EJ is a great guy. Definitely bleeds blue and gold. I have no idea of his administrative capacities. Those are the skills most necessary for the job...not devotion to Pitt.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

A monkey can raise money at these big state schools that are football mills with a diploma factory. That said I think EJ can move into the AD's role and raise money and that is the #1 function of the job.

This was my first reaction too, but then I thought what qualifications did Barry Alvarez, Joe Paterno or Jim Tressel have to be ADs? They were football coaches. AD jobs are mostly about fundraising, managing University politics and being the face of the Athletic Department in most cases. The business end of the department can be run by a business-minded Assistant AD. I wouldn't discount someone like an EJ though there do have to be many more experienced options out there.

 

[mdpitt]

Can anyone not think he is a great option for AD if Barnes leaves? The man is all Pitt, has been around the AD office for a period of time, and certainly would stay as long as he could. He would be great PR, and, with his pride and experience with the university would do everything in his power to make Pitt athletics better.

I don't want to make this political but he could be like Donald Trump for better or worse. I'm open minded for the Trump Presidency as he has assembled an All-Star team rapidly who are all Patriots.

EJ is the ultimate "Patriot" for Pitt who could likely get an all-star finance team together.

He could do it with a lot of help much like Trump.

Passion goes a long way in the position as you need to be a Force of Attraction.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

PR people are typically known for their stellar management skills.