Web, the lack of response to your post is due to the fact that there are literally no rumors anywhere in cyberspace, quite unlike when Amodio left. Craig Meyers tweeted that a member of the search committee (I think) was surprised by the fact that there will be an announcement today.

I'll be in an all day meeting, so I guess I'll catch the news and commentary tonight.

He/she had better be a game changer. Something different. Someone personable. Someone who can promote and address the image. Not the typical assistant AD at _________________.

The Dukes' new AD is from Dayton.

CLK wrote:

godukes1970 wrote:

The Dukes' new AD is from Dayton.

You mean the assistant who was not good enough to fill the open AD job at Dayton?
 

Not sure what his name is, but I have it from a very reliable source that he's from Dayton.

CLK - You have no idea.   Clueless.  I graduated from Duquesne in 71 and moved to Dayton Ohio.  Dave Harper came to the University of Dayton in 2006 (From University of Michigan) and worked in Athletics until 2012 when he was named Vice President of University Development.  He was on the acquisition team to bring Archie Miller to Dayton while managing the fundraising for the entire University.   What I know about the UD job is that there is internal strife between a retiring Athletic Director, a lame-duck University President and a Head Coach who is coming off a couple great seasons but has not committed long-term to the University.  I imagine the decision for a new AD at Dayton is easier now that Harper has declined his candidacy, but from what I've heard, they are just now pulling candidates in for interviews.  They'll be lucky to fill that position in the next month.  Way too deep into the season.

Last edited by Duke1971 (9/01/2015 9:24 am)

Duke1971 wrote:

CLK - You have no idea.   Clueless.  I graduated from Duquesne in 71 and moved to Dayton Ohio.  Dave Harper came to the University of Dayton in 2006 (From University of Michigan) and worked in Athletics until 2012 when he was named Vice President of University Development.  He was on the acquisition team to bring Archie Miller to Dayton while managing the fundraising for the entire University.   What I know about the UD job is that there is internal strife between a retiring Athletic Director, a lame-duck University President and a Head Coach who is coming off a couple great seasons but has not committed long-term to the University.  I imagine the decision for a new AD at Dayton is easier now that Harper has declined his candidacy, but from what I've heard, they are just now pulling candidates in for interviews.  They'll be lucky to fill that position in the next month.  Way too deep into the season.

Clueless?  Let me say that although I did not post this information I do know who the other final 4 candidates were and their position on DU athletics and this guy would not have been on the top of the list.  I would have picked the guy from Marquette, but since he was a guy who would not tolerate "excuses" for failure he was not picked.  The search committe was a stacked deck.  After listening to his Presser I am convinced that Ferry & the dead wood in the AD Department got their man. I hope I am wrong about this guy, but he sure used a lot of the Ferry jargon today. 

Last edited by CLK (9/01/2015 9:49 am)

I wish him the best.   Im willing to give him my support.

Last edited by duqkurt (9/01/2015 10:55 am)

CLK wrote:

Duke1971, at this point that is all we can say.  I mean no personal disrespect to Harper when I say this, but when you compare his resume to a couple of the other candidates he is a light weight. What is needed at DU is a cleansing of the DU Athletic Department.  When you look at what happened under Amodio, and the loss of season ticket holders, dwinding Alumni support, and the preception of incompetence of the AD in the local media, the new AD has a big job.  DU basket ball after three losing seasons under Ferry needs to start winning this year.  The new AD has to be his own man, and establish expectation levels and not accept worn out excuses for not winning.  He can't feel beholding to the basketball coach for his job and must have Ferry feel the heat.  I am concerned from what I heard today that is not the case.  I hope for DU sake that is not the case, and I am wrong.

 I am a partial ticket holder and thus a financial supporter (my office splits games for client entertainment) at the University of Dayton so I have been called upon in the past for surveys.  The biggest feather in the cap of Harper is when he moved from Athletics to Advancement, there was quite a shake-up, a staff of 64 was reduced to 40 something and since has been built back up to the mid 50's.   On top of that, UD just announced a record breaking year for fundraising. 

Ultimately we rely on an AD for two major purposes; 1) to maintain compliance and a clean program and 2) to raise funds to afford to hire the appropriate talent, to win the games.

I agree that we don't need a "yes man" in this role, and what makes me confident in this guy to do the job is that he understands that without wins, we don't support the program.

For those who missed the news conference here is a replay



 

Duke 1971, Duquesne is first hand proof of that " without wins, we don't support the program".  All you have to do is look at the loss of season ticket holders, alienation of the fan base, reduction in giving, and zero student support in the last three losing seasons with Ferry. Dougherty hired Ferry (and fired the only winning coach in the last 35 years) and proclaimed him to be the coach to get Duquesne into the NCAA tournament.  To date Ferry has given the fan base no reason to hope that he is that guy.  He has only offered excuses why he can't win.  Time is up,  There is no excuse for Ferry not to have a winning season this year with three senior starters.  If he Ferry has another losing season and bottom finish again in the A10 he needs to go. If regrettably that should happen we will see how Harper responds.  I wish Harper success.   

Welcome, David.  Wishing you all the success in your latest challenge.

At first glance, having no inside info or sources beyond what I have read/seen, I like this hire.  Here's why:
• Completely understands the A-10 landscape; how strong the conference is and what it takes to compete.
• A wide range of experience at Dayton in both Athletics and Fundraising; had to have some significant people skills to navigate in those worlds.
• Was an assistant AD at Michigan; a big time experience.  Dayton hired him back from Michigan.
• Has coaching background; worked as an assistant football coach / defensive coordinator at RMU many years ago.  Probably has a good understanding of the support the coaching staffs require from the athletic department.  And the importance of winning.

To me, that is a pretty strong candidate to take over this position.  Good luck, David.

I think CLK hit the nail on the head. This year is all about one thing: Ferry HAS to turn this around, and in a big way. Has to. I can't emphasize that enough. Has to. Period. One of the newspapers pointed out that the Dukes haven't had a winning season in three years. Unstated was the obvious fact: since Ferry took over.

Has to. Period. Otherwise you have a new AD saddled with an obviously bad coach who just got a contract extension, thanks to the skillful negotiating by our former AD.