John Wildhack named new SU AD

[baggerbob]

What's the one time you wouldn't?

When he's drunk out of his mind, and can't think straight.

 

[JeremyCuse]

can you please put all your tweet posts like this??

thanks.

agreed for those of us working in an office this is the only way we can see them, SO much better.

 

[texascpa]

While certainly an out of the box decision, I have my concerns: 1) He has no experience leading on the field sports, 2) He has no knowledge (or little experience) dealing with compliance issues, and 3) What will his tact be on the non-revenue sports. I would hope he leans heavily on Kim and Herm while hiring a stud Compliance director. I'm also concerned about his ability to fundraise. All these concerns will be answered...he is definitely the antithesis of both Gross and Coyle...

And yet we had someone with compliance experience and look at where it led us.

 

[texascpa]

Not sure if anyone else posted this, but ESPN's write-up of John stated he produced the first college and NFL game on ESPN.

 

[Frozen]

Sounds like a great hire! Did we ever get a confirmation on his handle? Would be great if the AD took time to communicate with this board from time to time.

Could Syracuse-Notre Dame be getting serious looks for Gameday

 

[Toga]

Could Syracuse-Notre Dame be getting serious looks for Gameday

So any one of us could have been the new AD. Damn

 

[nickp91]

Very excited for new Cuse AD. The future for Syracuse Athletics couldn't be brighter!

 

[sutomcat]

Could Syracuse-Notre Dame be getting serious looks for Gameday

The fact that he is on the board, has been for a long time and clearly follows the SU sports program passionately means a great deal to me.

He is one of us. Huge.

 

[CuseLegacy]

 

[bnoro]

One thing that hasn't been discussed is his fundraising. I had a chance to meet him once or twice at SU SPM functions, and he seemed like he connected well with people, which bodes well, but I wonder how he'll do asking for money.

Very excited about this hire, though.

 

[GoSU96]

going back to go's idea that arenas are going to be television studios, it's going to be interesting to see what his TV background will bring to the design of the dome renovation. the guy should know as well as anyone what will work on TV

Absolutely.

 

[Millhouse]

The fact that he is on the board, has been for a long time and clearly follows the SU sports program passionately means a great deal to me.

He is one of us. Huge.

good job by the board to shrug off coyle's departure for the most part.

 

[BillSU]

Not sure if anyone else posted this, but ESPN's write-up of John stated he produced the first college and NFL game on ESPN.

By Chris Carlson | ccarlson@syracuse.com The Post-Standard
on July 06, 2016 at 11:00 AM, updated July 06, 2016 at 1:33 PM

comments


Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse University will hire ESPN executive John Wildhack as the school's new athletic director, responding to Mark Coyle's abbreviated tenure by bringing in an alumnus with tight ties to the school.

Wildhack was previously working as ESPN's vice president for programming and production, and has significant experience in both areas with the company. From 2004 to 2012, he oversaw ESPN's rights negotiations, cutting deals with the SEC, ACC, NBA, Major League Baseball and numerous other organizations.

A Buffalo native, graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a member of the David Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamic advisory board, Wildhack's connections seem to guarantee he'll stick around longer than Coyle's 11 months. Wildhack also has the Central New York ties that many often felt previous former athletic director Daryl Gross lacked.

While the hiring seems to supply Syracuse with an incredibly savvy sports business mind, Wildhack does not have prior experience in athletic administration or compliance.

"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."

 

[BillSU]

Syracuse hires ESPN's John Wildhack to be its next AD

1:57 PM ET

Andrea AdelsonESPN Staff Writer

Syracuse has hired ESPN executive John Wildhack as athletic director, the school announced Wednesday.

Wildhack, a 1980 Syracuse graduate, spent 36 years with ESPN -- including the last two as ESPN executive vice president for programming and production. During his career, he produced ESPN's first live regular-season college football game (BYU at Pittsburgh, 1984) and first NFL game (Chicago at Miami, 1987).

After 36 years with ESPN, John Wildhack is leaving to be AD at Syracuse. Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images

He replaces Mark Coyle, who spent less than a year with the Orange before leaving for Minnesota.

"John is an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box leader who brings an unparalleled set of skills and experiences to the director of athletics position," Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a statement. "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."

Wildhack called the appointment a "dream job." His last day at ESPN is July 28, and he begins at Syracuse in mid-August.

"He will be sorely missed by me and so many others, but the opportunity to go home to Syracuse, a place he has always loved, is a splendid next chapter in a distinguished career in sports media. Our loss is Syracuse's gain."

ESPN president John Skipper

"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."

Most recently at ESPN, Wildhack oversaw all production efforts at the network, in addition to programming acquisitions and scheduling. He managed all league and conference relationships and negotiated all live television rights, including the NBA, SEC, College Football Playoff, ACC and many more.

Editor's Picks

Boeheim: May keep coaching with AD Wildhack

Jim Boeheim, who had set his coaching retirement for the end of the 2017-18 season, leaves the door open to stick around after hearing Syracuse hired ESPN's John Wildhack as AD.

"John has had a stellar 36-year career at ESPN and his contributions are profound and wide-ranging," ESPN president John Skipper said in a statement. "His impact on our production, our unparalleled suite of rights agreements and our overall values and culture is immeasurable. He has served as a key advisor and business partner to me. I have relied often on his thoughtful and selfless judgment.

"He will be sorely missed by me and so many others, but the opportunity to go home to Syracuse, a place he has always loved, is a splendid next chapter in a distinguished career in sports media. Our loss is Syracuse's gain, but the good news is that John will remain a member of our extended business circle."




Jim Boeheim, John Wildhack are longtime friends; will hire affect Boeheim's retirement?

"I'm glad we got a Syracuse guy and I'm glad we got a good guy," the Syracuse basketball coach said.

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.

"To say this is a dream job would be a significant understatement," Wildhack said. "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."

Wildhack's brother, Henry, still lives in Syracuse and worked briefly as a senior associate director of athletics under Gross in 2006.

Wildhack began working for ESPN when it was first created in 1980, rising from a production assistant to his current role as the channel became a sports giant. According to his ESPN bio, Wildhack, produced ESPN's first live NFL game in 1987 and its first live regular-season college football game, Brigham Young vs. Pittsburgh.

Great hire!

 

[oldpinepoint]

One thing that hasn't been discussed is his fundraising. I had a chance to meet him once or twice at SU SPM functions, and he seemed like he connected well with people, which bodes well, but I wonder how he'll do asking for money.

Very excited about this hire, though.

To me it's all about relationships and his or her ability to form a connection with your donor. Certainly he has a lot of passion for the cuse which is half the battle. But reading quotes from others, it sounds like he is well respected and liked. He develops relationships, communicates and collaborates with others. Those are the keys to being a good fundraiser. He has connections and clearly knows people with some money. Those that he doesn't he will be introduced to by those that do. I think he will be just fine

 

[MSOrange]

To me it's all about relationships and his or her ability to form a connection with your donor. Certainly he has a lot of passion for the cuse which is half the battle. But reading quotes from others, it sounds like he is well respected and liked. He develops relationships, communicates and collaborates with others. Those are the keys to being a good fundraiser. He has connections and clearly knows people with some money. Those that he doesn't he will be introduced to by those that do. I think he will be just fine

I have a friend who works for ESPN, not at a tremendously high level like some others on the board who have contacts there, but he confirms John is very well liked and respected there.

 

[Shenexon]

One thing that hasn't been discussed is his fundraising. I had a chance to meet him once or twice at SU SPM functions, and he seemed like he connected well with people, which bodes well, but I wonder how he'll do asking for money.

Very excited about this hire, though.

It seems to me that he'll be able to talk frankly about commitment to SU sports programs. He's made that kind of commitment. Clearly he's a serious guy that knows how to make things happen on an organizational level. I see him as a dynamic developer of sports products and one who is dedicated to SU. Pretty exciting times for SU...

 

[Toga]

ESPN Dome. Done.

 

[007]

One thing that hasn't been discussed is his fundraising. I had a chance to meet him once or twice at SU SPM functions, and he seemed like he connected well with people, which bodes well, but I wonder how he'll do asking for money.

Very excited about this hire, though.

Legitimate concern. However, I would imagine that some of the very first questions he was asked during the vetting process were:
1. Tell us why you believe your skill set will translate to the AD position
2. What are your thoughts on funding raising and increasing the overall revenue stream
3. What are your thoughts on the Longhorn Network and the viability of an Orange Network
4. If you were an animal, what would you be?

 

[IthacaMatt]

why???!!!

do think syverud didn't watch Hop's 9 game audition???

good lord, please don't go JB...

I take it that you don't really understand the boss/employee relationship that well.
It was Syverud's decision to appease the NCAA by forcing JB to set a retirement date.
If there are public pronouncements to the contrary, those are Syverud's announcements to make.
The headline almost comes off as though JB is campaigning to overrule the boss and be allowed to keep his job.
Must make for a great dynamic with Mike, don't you think?

 

[IthacaMatt]

going back to go's idea that arenas are going to be television studios, it's going to be interesting to see what his TV background will bring to the design of the dome renovation. the guy should know as well as anyone what will work on TV

This is a tremendous point about upcoming Dome reservations. Hats off to both you and Go.

 

[cpatrocks]

ESPN Dome. Done.

Too obvious. Disney Dome is slightly more subtle.

 

[OrangePA]

The fact that he is on the board, has been for a long time and clearly follows the SU sports program passionately means a great deal to me.

He is one of us. Huge.

His brother is also a longtime member of the CNY community - a well-respected businessman and a longtime Syracuse University Football supporter.

This is a truly inspired hire by the Chancellor.

 

[Millhouse]

Too obvious. Disney Dome is slightly more subtle.

 

[orangefog]

1. Tell us why you believe your skill set will translate to the AD position Well, my skill set is in English, as is this AD position, so translation will be no problem whatsoever.
2. What are your thoughts on funding raising and increasing the overall revenue stream I have one word for you...wait for it...bake sale.
3. What are your thoughts on the Longhorn Network and the viability of an Orange Network I am glad you asked me that question, the Longhorn Network is like LN nobody wants to watch LN, whereas the Orange Network will be ON, people will dig that.
4. If you were an animal, what would you be? If I were an animal, I would be an orange.