The Search Begins

A few quick thoughts on the departure of Columbia Athletic Director Dianne Murphy:


1) Dr. Murphy is getting out while the getting is good for her career. After some failed attempts to get an A.D. job at a bigger program, (Army being the only one we know of for sure), that route is now closed to her especially after the football debacle last year.

That means this is a good time for Murphy to pursue some higher-paying jobs in the corporate sector before she reaches the less marketable age of 60. I would not be surprised if she lands in a very good position at a sports-related corporation like Nike.

2) Despite the usual claptrap from President Bollinger, the only real positive legacy Murphy leaves is the significant improvements she oversaw in our facilities, venues, and the overall fan experience. Baker Field is nicer than ever, Levien Gym is better, and Columbia was one of the earlier adopters of a self-produced broadcasting web service for major sports.

3) The biggest problem during Murphy's tenure is that she failed to move the needle in the most important category: winning. Neither the football team nor the men's basketball team ever recorded a winning Ivy record, (and football never had a winning record at all), during her tenure until this past season when basketball finally achieved that goal. That is a serious failure and it constitutes a downgrade from the record her predecessor, John Reeves, had in that office. There's no excuse for this and no sugarcoating it.

This failure has led directly to a reduced fan base and it dilutes her successes in baseball and in improving our facilities.

4) The worst scandal and enduring issue of Murphy's tenure was the dishonest and failed process that led to the hiring of current football Head Coach Pete Mangurian.  There never really was a legitimate search process, never was an appropriate vetting, and the results since then on the field speak for themselves.

If Mangurian is let go before the end of Murphy's tenure, under no circumstances can she be allowed to lead the process to replace him.


Now to discuss what Columbia needs in a new Athletic Director. We need three things:


1) Get a Veteran

CU athletics needs someone who is already very familiar not only with the Ivy League, but also the unique culture of NYC and Columbia. We just don't have the time for another A.D. or coach to navigate the steep learning curve that accompanies the world of Ivy and Columbia sports.

All successful former Ivy League A.D.'s should be considered, no matter what job they have now. Also, a successful deputy Ivy League A.D. should be contacted. That would rule out anyone currently associated with our program.

If there is a good candidate with Ivy experience but no Columbia connection, and vice versa, they should still be considered. But we need to be very cautious about someone who has neither.


2) Spare No Expense  

Columbia is in better financial shape than ever, and athletics alums and donors are a big reason why. Thus, we need not apologize to anyone if we rightfully decide to empty a Brinks truck for a new A.D. and football coach.

We want success and the alumni that matter are willing to pay for it.

So let's be ready to pay for it.


3) No More Rubber Stamp Search Committees

Real fans, and truly concerned alums need a real voice on this search committee.

The same old crew of cronies and people who owe the administration too much, (like getting admission to the College for their children, etc.), serve no purpose and have screwed this up time and again.

We need one or two people on the committee who want the teams that matter to win, and nothing else. Let the other committee members worry about everything else. Who will speak up for WINNING?