Nick Carparelli

[Newhouser]

The problem with Syracuse University is that everything is always reactive. They’re never ahead of the curve. Practice facilities and proper athlete amenities took more than 15 years after they became standard across major programs before Syracuse finally started addressing them. Dino Babers gave one of the most viral speeches in college football history, and the only thing people focused on afterward was the locker room because it highlighted just how far behind the program was.

Now we’re seeing the same thing with NIL. Syracuse is again behind the eight ball. Staff salaries are at or near the bottom of the conference average, yet the administration still expects fans to pack the Dome and seems perplexed when they don’t. Fans respond to the product on the field and court, it’s really that simple.

Take the million dollars spent to buy on Lyke. What would that million dollars get you in today’s college football world? Probably a solid backup quarterback or a starting offensive lineman. Those are the types of investments that actually impact winning.

There’s no secret formula to filling the stands. Invest properly in football and basketball, build winning programs, and the fans will show up. Winning drives attendance always has, always will. But too often Syracuse chooses saving money over winning. Dino Babers stayed too long. Red Autry should never have been hired if the goal was to immediately compete nationally. Instead of making bold hires, the university often looks for the cheapest option. The result is predictable: more losses, declining attendance, and then complaints about not having enough revenue.

Meanwhile, the university pours millions into things like esports and other trends that don’t move the needle for the fanbase. When was the last time esports filled the Dome? Syracuse doesn’t have a money shortage, it has a spending problem. The money is simply being allocated to the wrong places.
Women’s basketball could be another major revenue stream if the program were built into a winner. Fans will support it if it’s competitive. That’s another opportunity the university hasn’t fully tapped.
In the era of NIL and the transfer portal, programs can rebuild quickly. Look at Iowa, they assembled a top tier class and became a national contender. Indiana just won a championship. There’s no reason Syracuse can’t do the same if it commits the resources.
Football and men’s basketball are the engines that drive an athletic department. Those programs should have every resource available to succeed. No other sports require that level of investment to sustain the department. It’s nice to have a strong soccer team, but soccer doesn’t move the needle in the United States the way it does in Europe or Mexico. The athletic department needs to stop treating revenue sports like a funding source for the rest of the university and start reinvesting in the programs that actually drive interest and income.

If Syracuse invests in winning, the fans will come. It’s that simple.

Not everything is about moving the needle for the fanbase. Esports has cost a ton but the school (right or wrong), thinks that is an academic track for the future. I believe there is an esports major. That program is linked to Falk and Newhouse so it's sort of apples and oranges to traditional sports.

That said I think SU is going to have problems keeping up with the funding wars that athletics will require down the road.

 

[Faegan]

Not everything is about moving the needle for the fanbase. Esports has cost a ton but the school (right or wrong), thinks that is an academic track for the future. I believe there is an esports major. That program is linked to Falk and Newhouse so it's sort of apples and oranges to traditional sports.

That said I think SU is going to have problems keeping up with the funding wars that athletics will require down the road.

As an aside, I'm not a fan myself but esports is a multibillion dollar industry that should top $5 billion this year. That's within the broader video gaming industry that should easily blow past $300 billion this year as a floor - some estimates have it way higher. I've never been much of a video game fan - at least relative to what's going on in a societal sense - but gaming is already relevant to the military and private sector and will only expand from here. It's definitely forward looking for SU if they keep up and continue to evolve with the industry/industries.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

That is going to be Torrey Ball from what I heard. He is replacing Herm.Not sure if that will still be considered the #2 spot though. But there is a whole array of roles near the top that will be important in backing Nick or any AD up.

They seem to have the same types of experiences (Ball and Carparelli). Football guys who have mainly dealt with building revenue. Which would make Ball more of an understudy than a complimentary piece.

If Terry is the plan that would be great. Can we afford both?

I have said on the board before that in this day and age there really needs to be two positional heads. No one person can do both. You need an Athletic Director who can handle the traditional sense of the job. On top of that you need a Director of Sport which would handle the new "professional sports" aspect of things. Someone who can promote the FB and BBall teams while also increasing revenue streams by working with corporate partners, eliciting donations, and hobnobbing with donors.

Carparelli seems to be a great fit for the latter. IMO we will need a good fit for the former.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[HRE Otto IV]

I think JW was that CEO type but I think he ran into some problems because we either did not have enough people under him or had the wrong people. I think that is a challenge that SU will have no matter who is the AD.

NC hasn't been working in an athletics department let alone ran one. If he is the hire we will need someone who has that experience. Someone who knows what is needed and knows whom to hire and fire. And preferably and outsider's POV. Otherwise it will be learning on the job, which takes NC away from what he does best and why he was hired.

 

[FloridaCuse]

They seem to have the same types of experiences (Ball and Carparelli). Football guys who have mainly dealt with building revenue. Which would make Ball more of an understudy than a complimentary piece.

If Terry is the plan that would be great. Can we afford both?

I have said on the board before that in this day and age there really needs to be two positional heads. No one person can do both. You need an Athletic Director who can handle the traditional sense of the job. On top of that you need a Director of Sport which would handle the new "professional sports" aspect of things. Someone who can promote the FB and BBall teams while also increasing revenue streams by working with corporate partners, eliciting donations, and hobnobbing with donors.

Carparelli seems to be a great fit for the latter. IMO we will need a good fit for the former.

Chancellor-Elect Mike Haynie seems to have different view of athletics than we've had in a Chancellor before. He views having a top notch athletic department and teams as essential to the overall business plan of the university as it enhances the experience of attracking students. Given that, he may view spending on the Athletic Department differently than others have and will be willing to make the investments necessary to be successful. Not as just an issue of athletics, but in the context of the success of the whole university.

 

[Sherman20]

For sure. Peter D is finally getting some help with staff but they are so understaffed it’s crazy and their schedules are even more insane. People have no idea how hard PD works and he needs about 10
More people

For comparison, this is the Arizona men's basketball coaching staff. It's a virtual army of 12 positions, including two more assistant coaches than Syracuse and directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Arizona Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Arizona Wildcats

arizonawildcats.com

SU has a similar sized staff overall (with Eugene, our data analyst, gone to the Knicks). But we have two less full-time assistant coaches. Plus their DOBO is its own separate position (Corasaniti is both DOBO and an assistant coach). Our support staff also seems to include more junior positions, with titles like Office Assistant, Producer/Videographer, and Men's Basketball Player Development Assistant. Whereas Arizona's support staff includes directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - Syracuse University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Syracuse University Orange

cuse.com

Michigan also has larger assistant coaching staff. Not all of UM's support staff seems to be listed.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Michigan Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Michigan Wolverines

mgoblue.com

We actually have a similar size to UConn's. They seem to have a few more senior support positions.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Connecticut Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Connecticut Huskies

uconnhuskies.com

Gonzaga is similar to us. They have one more full-time assistant coach, but they don't list their support staff here.

Men's Basketball Coaches - Gonzaga University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs

gozags.com

We have to bulk up our staff under the new coach, and I assume that will be part of their contract negotiations. We'll need to turn some of those junior staff positions into senior staff roles and hire more experienced folks to compete with our peers.

 

[Sherman20]

I think JW was that CEO type but I think he ran into some problems because we either did not have enough people under him or had the wrong people. I think that is a challenge that SU will have no matter who is the AD.

NC hasn't been working in an athletics department let alone ran one. If he is the hire we will need someone who has that experience. Someone who knows what is needed and knows whom to hire and fire. And preferably and outsider's POV. Otherwise it will be learning on the job, which takes NC away from what he does best and why he was hired.

Wildhack will be here for at least four more months to help in the transition.

 

[JRHEETER]

For comparison, this is the Arizona men's basketball coaching staff. It's a virtual army of 12 positions, including two more assistant coaches than Syracuse and directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Arizona Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Arizona Wildcats

arizonawildcats.com

SU has a similar sized staff overall (with Eugene, our data analyst, gone to the Knicks). But we have two less full-time assistant coaches. Plus their DOBO is its own separate position (Corasaniti is both DOBO and an assistant coach). Our support staff also seems to include more junior positions, with titles like Office Assistant, Producer/Videographer, and Men's Basketball Player Development Assistant. Whereas Arizona's support staff includes directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - Syracuse University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Syracuse University Orange

cuse.com

Michigan also has larger assistant coaching staff. Not all of UM's support staff seems to be listed.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Michigan Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Michigan Wolverines

mgoblue.com

We actually have a similar size to UConn's. They seem to have a few more senior positions.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Connecticut Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Connecticut Huskies

uconnhuskies.com

Gonzaga is similar to us. They have one more full-time assistant coach, but they don't list their support staff here.

Men's Basketball Coaches - Gonzaga University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs

gozags.com

We have to bulk up our staff under the new coach, and I assume that will be part of their contract negotiations. We'll need to turn some of those junior staff positions into senior staff roles and hire more experienced folks to compete with our peers.

We had the ability to hire those two bench coaches but from rumblings ive heard, our current coach elected not to.

Not sure if thats 100% true or not but Ive heard from more than 1 person.

I think you will see the new HC of BBall use a full staff.

 

[JRHEETER]

Wildhack will be here for at least four more months to help in the transition.

And I think likely would help with consultation and being a mentor to NC. Wildhack loves Syracuse.

 

[Bulldog04]

For comparison, this is the Arizona men's basketball coaching staff. It's a virtual army of 12 positions, including two more assistant coaches than Syracuse and directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Arizona Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Arizona Wildcats

arizonawildcats.com

SU has a similar sized staff overall (with Eugene, our data analyst, gone to the Knicks). But we have two less full-time assistant coaches. Plus their DOBO is its own separate position (Corasaniti is both DOBO and an assistant coach). Our support staff also seems to include more junior positions, with titles like Office Assistant, Producer/Videographer, and Men's Basketball Player Development Assistant. Whereas Arizona's support staff includes directors of player relations, performance enhancements, and a creative director.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - Syracuse University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Syracuse University Orange

cuse.com

Michigan also has larger assistant coaching staff. Not all of UM's support staff seems to be listed.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Michigan Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Michigan Wolverines

mgoblue.com

We actually have a similar size to UConn's. They seem to have a few more senior positions.

2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Connecticut Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Connecticut Huskies

uconnhuskies.com

Gonzaga is similar to us. They have one more full-time assistant coach, but they don't list their support staff here.

Men's Basketball Coaches - Gonzaga University Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs

gozags.com

We have to bulk up our staff under the new coach, and I assume that will be part of their contract negotiations. We'll need to turn some of those junior staff positions into senior staff roles and hire more experienced folks to compete with our peers.

I was talking about Peter Deloria who is on the NiL fundraising side but this is good intel!

 

[OttoinGrotto]

We had the ability to hire those two bench coaches but from rumblings ive heard, our current coach elected not to.

Not sure if thats 100% true or not but Ive heard from more than 1 person.

I think you will see the new HC of BBall use a full staff.

IF it is Hodgson didn't someone recently post that he's a big video guy to fuel their analytics? I'd imagine that requires some specialized staff.

 

[LpoolNative]

Wouldn’t be surprised if NC & Haynie end up spending a LOT more on athletics then we’re use to seeing around here

 

[richmondcuse03]

I think JW was that CEO type but I think he ran into some problems because we either did not have enough people under him or had the wrong people. I think that is a challenge that SU will have no matter who is the AD.

NC hasn't been working in an athletics department let alone ran one. If he is the hire we will need someone who has that experience. Someone who knows what is needed and knows whom to hire and fire. And preferably and outsider's POV. Otherwise it will be learning on the job, which takes NC away from what he does best and why he was hired.

The hope was to pair him with Reggie so you had the right balance. There are a lot of senior positions in the AD. I wouldnt be surprised to see some reshuffling once he gets on board. Would be good to improve the talent level.

 

[Cusefan69]

As an aside, I'm not a fan myself but esports is a multibillion dollar industry that should top $5 billion this year. That's within the broader video gaming industry that should easily blow past $300 billion this year as a floor - some estimates have it way higher. I've never been much of a video game fan - at least relative to what's going on in a societal sense - but gaming is already relevant to the military and private sector and will only expand from here. It's definitely forward looking for SU if they keep up and continue to evolve with the industry/industries.

This ^^^ Just one example the skill sets developed to fly drone technology which will only continue to grow more and more prominently public, private and government sectors.

 

[Jasoncuse]

IF it is Hodgson didn't someone recently post that he's a big video guy to fuel their analytics? I'd imagine that requires some specialized staff.

Looks like he loaded up the staff and support positions too, so I'm guessing there's a heavy focus that

Men's Basketball Coaches - USF Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of South Florida Bulls

gousfbulls.com

 

[Sherman20]

I was talking about Peter Deloria who is on the NiL fundraising side but this is good intel!

My bad. I know you also know the coaching staff makeup very well. But good to know that we need to build out our NIL fundraising infrastructure too. Excited to see what NC can do there!

 

[HRE Otto IV]

The hope was to pair him with Reggie so you had the right balance. There are a lot of senior positions in the AD. I wouldnt be surprised to see some reshuffling once he gets on board. Would be good to improve the talent level.

I think that is a problem with having a CEO type. We need more and better people under the CEO for it to work. Does SU have the money for it?

 

[IthacaMatt]

Not everything is about moving the needle for the fanbase. Esports has cost a ton but the school (right or wrong), thinks that is an academic track for the future. I believe there is an esports major. That program is linked to Falk and Newhouse so it's sort of apples and oranges to traditional sports.

That said I think SU is going to have problems keeping up with the funding wars that athletics will require down the road.

I'm sorry, but eSports is stupid. Watching other people play video games (and particularly when the athletes have to be made anonymous due to name and likeness licensing restrictions) is terrible.

I'm not sure how I saw a couple computer football games on TV in the last year or so, or what channel. There were 2 announcers trying to give you a play-by-play, and it made zero sense. There are no "star players", no recognizable teams. What is there to root for? It was mind-numbing.

Now, I recognize that people like watching people play video games like Call of Duty or whatever on Twitch, but I don't see people ever attending an event to watch 2 people play a video game against each other on a big screen.

 

[LpoolNative]

I'm sorry, but eSports is stupid. Watching other people play video games (and particularly when the athletes have to be made anonymous due to name and likeness licensing restrictions) is terrible.

I'm not sure how I saw a couple computer football games on TV in the last year or so, or what channel. There were 2 announcers trying to give you a play-by-play, and it made zero sense. There are no "star players", no recognizable teams. What is there to root for? It was mind-numbing.

Now, I recognize that people like watching people play video games like Call of Duty or whatever on Twitch, but I don't see people ever attending an event to watch 2 people play a video game against each other on a big screen.

 

[IthacaMatt]

As an aside, I'm not a fan myself but esports is a multibillion dollar industry that should top $5 billion this year. That's within the broader video gaming industry that should easily blow past $300 billion this year as a floor - some estimates have it way higher. I've never been much of a video game fan - at least relative to what's going on in a societal sense - but gaming is already relevant to the military and private sector and will only expand from here. It's definitely forward looking for SU if they keep up and continue to evolve with the industry/industries.

There's a hugh difference between the size of the video game market, versus playing video games for other people to watch for entertainment.

I don't see watching people play video games as a sustainable market opportunity. It's freaking boring.

How much does anyone like watching someone else play a game, unless (1) they are waiting for their turn, or (2) they are memorizing moves that someone else makes playing a game? I just don't see it as interesting.

 

[Toga]

In today’s current environment you need a ceo type not a true ad. He was an executive at under armor and president at the bowl championship series. This is the type of person that will work with nil, fundraising etc. Others in the athletic department can focus on more day to day operations.

Will not be setting the schedules for coed intramural basketball.

 

[alphaorange]

I think that is a problem with having a CEO type. We need more and better people under the CEO for it to work. Does SU have the money for it?

You're never happy, are you? I've been reading your posts for a long time and usually just skip over them because you're the black rain cloud guy...

 

[IthacaMatt]

We had the ability to hire those two bench coaches but from rumblings ive heard, our current coach elected not to.

Not sure if thats 100% true or not but Ive heard from more than 1 person.

I think you will see the new HC of BBall use a full staff.

Yes, a handful of connected people made that point a few times during the season.

Obviously Red could have used a couple more assistants (1 to install an offense, and 1 to teach defense), but I don't think he wanted to be 2nd guessed.

Now he'll be looking for a job, and if he's smart, he'll take all the support staff his next school is willing to give him.

 

[orangefog]

You're never happy, are you? I've been reading your posts for a long time and usually just skip over them because you're the black rain cloud guy...

If only it were black rain clouds, they are black acid rain clouds!!!!!