CuseLegacy
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 101,791
- Like
- 168,125
Or just the one who feels the need to break the story. Others knew.
John Wildhack named new SU AD
- Thread starter Whitey23
- Start date
cuseman404
2nd String
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2011
- Messages
- 602
- Like
- 903
makes sense nothing on syracuse.com would love to see the presser.
This is huge for SU. This guy gets TV and could be a HUGE asset for the ACC office. He could actually be a contender for future ACC commissioner if he does a good job at SU. As Commissoner top job is negotiating TV deals now.
Whitey23
Twitter Wizard
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 13,176
- Like
- 16,290
"John is an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box leader who brings an unparalleled set of skills and experiences to the director of athletics position," Chancellor Kent Syverud said. "As a leader at ESPN, he has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and implement strategies aimed at elevating the entire organization. That record of success, combined with his extensive history of building and inspiring teams, will allow him to immediately and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes. This is a new day in the life of the Department of Athletics. I look forward to watching John, in collaboration with our talented coaches and staff, bring his bold vision for the department to life."
While hiring a businessman instead of an experienced college sports administrator is still rare in college sports, the trend has become more common as the finances involved in college sports have exploded. Notre Dame's Jack Swarbrick and Alabama's Bill Battle have made the transition successfully, while others like Michigan's Dave Brandon have struggled.
RF2044
Living Legend
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
- Messages
- 32,546
- Like
- 112,202
If true, big fan of this hire.
CuseLegacy
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 101,791
- Like
- 168,125
phil77
BC Prophet
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2011
- Messages
- 11,883
- Like
- 36,363
CuseLegacy
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 101,791
- Like
- 168,125
Syracuse University News » » John Wildhack ’80 to Become Syracuse University Director of Athletics
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 By Sarah Scalese
John Wildhack ’80 to Become Syracuse University Director of Athletics
Citing his unique qualifications and his vast knowledge of and passion for Syracuse University Athletics, Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced he has selected John Wildhack ’80 to be the University’s next director of athletics. Wildhack, a veteran leader at ESPN, currently serves as the network’s executive vice president for programming and production, a role he’s held since January 2014. Wildhack reports directly to ESPN President John Skipper and is responsible for 50,000 hours of content annually. He’ll start his appointment in mid-August.
John Wildhack
Wildhack, a native of Upstate New York and a 1980 alumnus of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, was selected following a national search. He was recommended to the Chancellor by the Director of Athletics Search Committee.
“John is an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box leader who brings an unparalleled set of skills and experiences to the director of athletics position,” says Chancellor Syverud. “As a leader at ESPN, he has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and implement strategies aimed at elevating the entire organization. That record of success, combined with his extensive history of building and inspiring teams, will allow him to immediately and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes. This is a new day in the life of the Department of Athletics. I look forward to watching John, in collaboration with our talented coaches and staff, bring his bold vision for the department to life.”
“To say this is a dream job would be a significant understatement,” says Wildhack. “Syracuse University played a profound role in my life’s trajectory and I’m confident I wouldn’t be where I am without the education and opportunities this institution afforded me. To help my alma mater, in particular Syracuse student-athletes, continue to excel and grow, especially in light of the enormous investments being made, and that have been made in its facilities, is a tremendous responsibility and one I don’t take lightly. I am honored to have been selected and I look forward to collaborating with the amazing coaches and staff as we work to develop the whole student-athlete—inside and outside the classroom.”
During his distinguished career at ESPN, Wildhack held a number of critical leadership roles and has been responsible for a number of firsts at the network. Those firsts include producing ESPN’s first live regular-season college football game in September 1984 and its first live NFL game in August 1987.
“John doesn’t shy away from taking risks, and he’s always pushing his teams to be the first and the best,” says Dino Babers, head football coach. “I expect John to be a catalyst for much growth and success in the future. I’m eager to welcome someone of his caliber to the Syracuse Athletics team and I am certain we will accomplish great things—both on and off the field.”
In his role as executive vice president for programming and production, Wildhack oversees all ESPN production efforts, as well as programming acquisitions, rights holder relationship management and scheduling. He managed all league and conference relationships and negotiated all live sport television rights; renegotiated a nine-year deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA), extending the existing contract through 2023; renegotiated a new 20-year agreement with the Southeastern Conference that will extend the existing media rights deal through 2034; helped secure long-term multiplatform agreements with the NBA, Major League Baseball, College Football Playoffs, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, U.S. Open Tennis, the Rose and Sugar Bowls, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the American Athletic Conference and the Mountain West Conference; and won more than 30 Emmy Awards.
“John is a special kind of leader and Syracuse University is fortunate to have someone of his stature taking the helm of Syracuse Athletics,” says NBC Sports’ Michael Tirico ’88, Trustee and a longtime ESPN colleague. “I applaud Chancellor Syverud and the search committee for approaching this search with an open mind and for selecting someone who is so widely known for his exceptional record of success. As someone who has spent a lot of time around Power Five athletics directors, I couldn’t have picked a better director of athletics myself. I look forward to seeing the department, coaches, staff and our student-athletes thrive under John’s leadership.”
Previously, Wildhack served as executive vice president for production from 2012 to 2014, during which time he was responsible for all ESPN and ABC game, event and studio production work for domestic and international television and radio networks. Prior to that, he was ESPN’s executive vice president for programming and acquisitions from 2007 until 2012. During that time, he oversaw all rights negotiations and managing relationships with rights holders for all ESPN entities. These include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile Properties, print and more. In 2009, he began leading strategic program planning for all the ESPN television networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN’s digital platforms.
“John really stood out in the competitive pool of candidates we interviewed,” says Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women’s administrator. “His experience negotiating high-profile contracts with some of the world’s largest athletics organizations, as well as his extensive background leading large, diverse groups of people are just two of the reasons he’s the right person for this job. He may not come from a traditional intercollegiate athletics environment, but there’s no doubt his professional experience and leadership prowess will allow him to be among the best leaders our department has ever had.”
Wildhack, who was born and raised in Buffalo, first joined ESPN as a production assistant in 1980. He served in a number of production positions prior to taking on a leadership role, including production assistant, associate producer, senior associate producer, producer, coordinating producer and director of event productions. Wildhack, an active Syracuse alumnus, sits on the Advisory Board for the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and was an honoree at the “Newhouse at 40” Gala.
Wildhack with his family
Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in Falk College and the University’s faculty athletic representative to the ACC and NCAA, says Wildhack appreciates what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at Syracuse University. “He recognizes that we must foster an environment where our student-athletes’ success isn’t just measured on the playing fields, but in the classroom as well. His commitment to their academics, to their stewardship of the University and to their activities in the community will allow him to build a championship program steeped in hard work, humility and respect.”
Wildhack will be formally introduced to the Syracuse University and Central New York communities at an event on campus next Tuesday, July 12. His arrival on campus will mark the conclusion of Daniel J. French’s tenure as acting director of athletics. French, senior vice president and the University’s General Counsel, assumed the acting duties on May 19 and will continue in this role until Wildhack assumes the role in mid-August.
“Dan is an integral member of University leadership and I am grateful to him for stepping up during a time of transition and leading Syracuse Athletics in the interim,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I am confident Dan and Senior Deputy Athletics Director Herman Frazier will help make John’s arrival on campus a smooth and successful one.”
Chancellor Syverud also acknowledged and thanked his fellow search committee members for their swift and thorough work on behalf of the University. The search committee included:
• Kent Syverud, Chancellor (Chair)
• Dino Babers, head football coach
• Rick Burton, Falk Professor of Sport Management and faculty athletics representative
• Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women’s administrator
• Robert Miron, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Athletics Committee
• Brittney Sykes, women’s basketball student-athlete
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 By Sarah Scalese
John Wildhack ’80 to Become Syracuse University Director of Athletics
Citing his unique qualifications and his vast knowledge of and passion for Syracuse University Athletics, Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced he has selected John Wildhack ’80 to be the University’s next director of athletics. Wildhack, a veteran leader at ESPN, currently serves as the network’s executive vice president for programming and production, a role he’s held since January 2014. Wildhack reports directly to ESPN President John Skipper and is responsible for 50,000 hours of content annually. He’ll start his appointment in mid-August.
John Wildhack
Wildhack, a native of Upstate New York and a 1980 alumnus of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, was selected following a national search. He was recommended to the Chancellor by the Director of Athletics Search Committee.
“John is an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box leader who brings an unparalleled set of skills and experiences to the director of athletics position,” says Chancellor Syverud. “As a leader at ESPN, he has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and implement strategies aimed at elevating the entire organization. That record of success, combined with his extensive history of building and inspiring teams, will allow him to immediately and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes. This is a new day in the life of the Department of Athletics. I look forward to watching John, in collaboration with our talented coaches and staff, bring his bold vision for the department to life.”
“To say this is a dream job would be a significant understatement,” says Wildhack. “Syracuse University played a profound role in my life’s trajectory and I’m confident I wouldn’t be where I am without the education and opportunities this institution afforded me. To help my alma mater, in particular Syracuse student-athletes, continue to excel and grow, especially in light of the enormous investments being made, and that have been made in its facilities, is a tremendous responsibility and one I don’t take lightly. I am honored to have been selected and I look forward to collaborating with the amazing coaches and staff as we work to develop the whole student-athlete—inside and outside the classroom.”
During his distinguished career at ESPN, Wildhack held a number of critical leadership roles and has been responsible for a number of firsts at the network. Those firsts include producing ESPN’s first live regular-season college football game in September 1984 and its first live NFL game in August 1987.
“John doesn’t shy away from taking risks, and he’s always pushing his teams to be the first and the best,” says Dino Babers, head football coach. “I expect John to be a catalyst for much growth and success in the future. I’m eager to welcome someone of his caliber to the Syracuse Athletics team and I am certain we will accomplish great things—both on and off the field.”
In his role as executive vice president for programming and production, Wildhack oversees all ESPN production efforts, as well as programming acquisitions, rights holder relationship management and scheduling. He managed all league and conference relationships and negotiated all live sport television rights; renegotiated a nine-year deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA), extending the existing contract through 2023; renegotiated a new 20-year agreement with the Southeastern Conference that will extend the existing media rights deal through 2034; helped secure long-term multiplatform agreements with the NBA, Major League Baseball, College Football Playoffs, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, U.S. Open Tennis, the Rose and Sugar Bowls, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the American Athletic Conference and the Mountain West Conference; and won more than 30 Emmy Awards.
“John is a special kind of leader and Syracuse University is fortunate to have someone of his stature taking the helm of Syracuse Athletics,” says NBC Sports’ Michael Tirico ’88, Trustee and a longtime ESPN colleague. “I applaud Chancellor Syverud and the search committee for approaching this search with an open mind and for selecting someone who is so widely known for his exceptional record of success. As someone who has spent a lot of time around Power Five athletics directors, I couldn’t have picked a better director of athletics myself. I look forward to seeing the department, coaches, staff and our student-athletes thrive under John’s leadership.”
Previously, Wildhack served as executive vice president for production from 2012 to 2014, during which time he was responsible for all ESPN and ABC game, event and studio production work for domestic and international television and radio networks. Prior to that, he was ESPN’s executive vice president for programming and acquisitions from 2007 until 2012. During that time, he oversaw all rights negotiations and managing relationships with rights holders for all ESPN entities. These include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile Properties, print and more. In 2009, he began leading strategic program planning for all the ESPN television networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN’s digital platforms.
“John really stood out in the competitive pool of candidates we interviewed,” says Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women’s administrator. “His experience negotiating high-profile contracts with some of the world’s largest athletics organizations, as well as his extensive background leading large, diverse groups of people are just two of the reasons he’s the right person for this job. He may not come from a traditional intercollegiate athletics environment, but there’s no doubt his professional experience and leadership prowess will allow him to be among the best leaders our department has ever had.”
Wildhack, who was born and raised in Buffalo, first joined ESPN as a production assistant in 1980. He served in a number of production positions prior to taking on a leadership role, including production assistant, associate producer, senior associate producer, producer, coordinating producer and director of event productions. Wildhack, an active Syracuse alumnus, sits on the Advisory Board for the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and was an honoree at the “Newhouse at 40” Gala.
Wildhack with his family
Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in Falk College and the University’s faculty athletic representative to the ACC and NCAA, says Wildhack appreciates what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at Syracuse University. “He recognizes that we must foster an environment where our student-athletes’ success isn’t just measured on the playing fields, but in the classroom as well. His commitment to their academics, to their stewardship of the University and to their activities in the community will allow him to build a championship program steeped in hard work, humility and respect.”
Wildhack will be formally introduced to the Syracuse University and Central New York communities at an event on campus next Tuesday, July 12. His arrival on campus will mark the conclusion of Daniel J. French’s tenure as acting director of athletics. French, senior vice president and the University’s General Counsel, assumed the acting duties on May 19 and will continue in this role until Wildhack assumes the role in mid-August.
“Dan is an integral member of University leadership and I am grateful to him for stepping up during a time of transition and leading Syracuse Athletics in the interim,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I am confident Dan and Senior Deputy Athletics Director Herman Frazier will help make John’s arrival on campus a smooth and successful one.”
Chancellor Syverud also acknowledged and thanked his fellow search committee members for their swift and thorough work on behalf of the University. The search committee included:
• Kent Syverud, Chancellor (Chair)
• Dino Babers, head football coach
• Rick Burton, Falk Professor of Sport Management and faculty athletics representative
• Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women’s administrator
• Robert Miron, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Athletics Committee
• Brittney Sykes, women’s basketball student-athlete
sutomcat
2024 Iggy Award (ACC Tournament Record)
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
- Messages
- 27,746
- Like
- 124,896
Syracuse has always had a strong relationship with ESPN...SU alums run the company.
This just strengthens the bonds. I bet the ACC offices are delighted with this.
He doesn't have experience in running an athletic department but he certainly has experience running a large organization. Will need to make good hires with his deputy ADs to address things like fundraising, HC hires, scheduling, etc.
Great to have a Syracuse guy running the department. He is smart, knows college athletics inner workings as well as anyone and is orange to the core. One thing I guarantee. He won't be a 10 month hire.
Welcome aboard John. Get ready to answer questions about an ACC network!
This just strengthens the bonds. I bet the ACC offices are delighted with this.
He doesn't have experience in running an athletic department but he certainly has experience running a large organization. Will need to make good hires with his deputy ADs to address things like fundraising, HC hires, scheduling, etc.
Great to have a Syracuse guy running the department. He is smart, knows college athletics inner workings as well as anyone and is orange to the core. One thing I guarantee. He won't be a 10 month hire.
Welcome aboard John. Get ready to answer questions about an ACC network!
jr4750
All American
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2011
- Messages
- 6,595
- Like
- 10,371
at the very least one that cares about SU A LOT more.
Hoo's That
Living Legend
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2013
- Messages
- 29,219
- Like
- 84,314
OK. Does this mean the ACCN is announced next week? :noidea:
CuseLegacy
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 101,791
- Like
- 168,125
“For nearly 36 years ESPN has been my professional home. It’s where I’ve grown professionally and personally. It has afforded me opportunities to learn, to experience and to lead.
“The one thing that has been consistent since I stepped foot on campus in 1980 has been the people — the hardest working, highly creative, exceptional people. ESPN has had, and always will have, the best people in the media business. In the early days that meant a ‘can do’ spirit. Today it’s boldly charting our future in an ever-changing media world. People continue to define the culture today, a culture which is unique and a critical component of ESPN’s success.
“I’ve had the good fortune to work for and be in the company of great leaders. I’ve learned so much from John Skipper these last 10 years, and am forever grateful for his support. John’s senior staff is comprised of dedicated, brilliant people; I’ve sincerely enjoyed collaborating with them and I will miss them all. I’ve been truly blessed to work with an exceptional senior staff in production and programming. Nobody acquires, schedules and produces the quality and quantity of content that this group oversees. I am grateful to all the men and women in my organization for their tireless dedication and commitment to excellence.
“I am also grateful to have made many wonderful personal and professional friendships that I will treasure always.
“Making the decision to leave one campus for another was not an easy one. We’ve accomplished much in our 36 years here, and as a result, ESPN is extremely well-positioned for the future. Leading the athletic department at my alma mater is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that presented itself, and it is the only job that could take me away. As I prepare to start a new journey at Syracuse University, I will lean heavily on my experiences at ESPN. I’ll quickly become an ‘ESPN Avid Fan’ (credit Artie Bulgrin). I’ll be watching, listening, and navigating across all ESPN platforms, and will do so with great pride.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to be your colleague. Thank you again for contributing to what has truly been a ride of a lifetime. My sincere best wishes to you all.”
SUforme
All American
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2014
- Messages
- 5,163
- Like
- 6,109
NC'cusefan
Scout Team
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2013
- Messages
- 327
- Like
- 301
I'm all in with this.
