Notre Dame Set To Name Indy Attorney Jack Swarbrick As New AD

Indianapolis-based attorney Jack Swarbrick today is expected to be named the next AD at the Univ. of Notre Dame (ND), according to a source cited by Jeff Carroll of the SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE. Swarbrick replaces Kevin White, who had been ND's AD since '01 before leaving in June to become Duke Univ. AD. Swarbrick, a ND alum, has been "heavily involved in the Indianapolis sports scene for more than two decades," including serving eight years as Indianapolis Sports Corp. (ISC) Chair, an organization that "helped Indianapolis land the men's and women's Final Fours on a regular basis, as well as the 2012 Super Bowl." Additionally, Swarbrick "spearheaded two economic development groups that worked to bring the Super Bowl to Indy," and he was a "major driving force in the effort to bring" the NCAA HQs to Indianapolis in '00 (SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, 7/16). ESPN.com's Graham Watson noted though Swarbrick has never been an athletic administrator at the collegiate level, "it's not without trying." Swarbrick "was considered" for AD positions at the Univ. of Indiana and Stanford Univ. and last year's Big 12 Conference Commissioner opening. In '02, Swarbrick was also "a finalist for the NCAA president's position that went to" current NCAA President Myles Brand. With the help of Atlanta-based search firm Parker Executive Search, ND "interviewed several candidates, including SMU [AD] Steve Orsini." However, sources said that "Swarbrick was the school's ultimate target." Former ISC President Sandy Knapp said, "Someday in the future, Notre Dame will celebrate this day as a real turning point in their athletic program" (ESPN.com, 7/15). In Chicago, Brian Hamilton writes Swarbrick now faces the challenge of "earning the faith of Irish fans staunchly resistant to change." Central Indiana Corporate Partnership CEO Mark Miles: "You have to be able to build consensus, and you have to be able to serve a lot of masters. (Swarbrick) has a great balance between being able to lead and juggle interests" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/16).