Illinois Senior Associate AD Paul Kowalczyk got word last Wednesday that he was "being tabbed by Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson to replace" AD Mike Thomas, according to Marcus Jackson of the Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE. In explaining the decision to appoint Kowalczyk, Wilson "noted his previous experience" as AD at both Southern Illinois ('00-06) and Colorado State ('06-11). Kowalczyk at SIU "hired Jerry Kill to resurrect a Salukis’ football program that developed into an FCS powerhouse." He also hired Matt Painter and Chris Lowery as basketball coaches, who have "led the Salukis to four straight NCAA tournament berths." Kowalczyk was "responsible for major facilities upgrades" at CSU, including an "indoor practice facility that contained a football field, practice courts for basketball and volleyball, and strength and conditioning and academic centers." But the football program "never got going under Kowalczyk’s direction." Asked if Kowalczyk would be the person making any decisions on the Illinois football coaching position being manned currently by interim coach Bill Cubit, both Wilson and Kowalczyk "were noncommittal" (Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE, 11/10).
MIKE DROP: USA TODAY's Dan Wolken notes Thomas was fired yesterday after an investigation into allegations that football and women’s basketball players "were mistreated." The report "found no wrongdoing on Thomas’ part." However, Wilson at a news conference said that the school "needed to separate itself from the 'distractions' surrounding its athletic department since the allegations first surfaced earlier this year." Wilson said that Thomas "was fired without cause and thus will be paid" $2.5M to buy out his contract (USA TODAY, 11/10). Thomas said that he believes the report indicates he "acted appropriately and immediately when he learned of any issues related to the welfare of student-athletes but that he accepts the situation." Thomas: "I believe it’s a good time to turn the page and put the focus back on the success of our student-athletes" (Decatur HERALD & REVIEW, 11/10). In Champaign, Loren Tate writes Thomas "didn’t violate any rules but turned out to be the classic victim of circumstances." He was an "energetic builder, oversaw huge spring successes in non-revenue sports and handled his job professionally." But there are three things one "mustn’t do as AD at a Power Five school: (1) Don’t hire losing coaches in football and basketball, (2) don’t re-arrange basketball seating and (3) don’t get caught up in a legal tangle over medical oversights" (Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE, 11/10).
NOT A GOOD LOOK: In Chicago, David Haugh writes under the header, "Illinois Fumbles Mike Thomas Firing With Tone-Deaf News Conference." Instead of "using the forum to make a strong statement about what Illinois athletics wants to be under the next regime, Wilson offered a wishy-washy reason as the biggest impetus for change." For Wilson to say Thomas "did a 'good job' in this context was tone-deaf."Also, citing distractions as the main reason for firing Thomas "inaccurately blamed the role of fans and media in this process and missed an opportunity to begin re-establishing an athletic department identity." What Wilson should have said "is simple: A comprehensive report illustrated that the Illinois football program too often put player safety at risk" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/10). In Champaign, Bob Asmussen writes yesterday's decision "doesn’t make Illinois look very smart." Thomas "was exonerated by the 1,200-page report on the Illinois athletic program." Asmussen: "But he had to go?" Meanwhile, the timing of the announcement "is, well, curious." The football team hosts Ohio State on Saturday, while the men's basketball team "plays its first regular-season game on Friday in Springfield." The reputation of the university "has been badly damaged." Asmussen: "Again. By sports" (Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE, 11/10).
THE REPLACEMENTS: In Chicago, Teddy Greenstein cites sources as saying that Colorado AD Rick George and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley are "two prime candidates for the AD job." Tiley coached men's tennis at Illinois, while George, a UI alum, is a "highly regarded former executive" with the PGA Tour and MLB Rangers. Northwestern AD Jim Phillips, also a UI alum, would be a candidate, but he has already "turned down AD jobs at Stanford and Penn State." Northern Illinois AD Sean Frazier also "should garner consideration" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/10). Also in Chicago, Mike Inrem writes maybe UI "finally will hire the right athletic director this time" in George. Before Thomas became Illinois' AD, there "were reports that George and the school had preliminary talks concerning the position." But UI "decided to go in another direction." If there is a buyout in George's contract with Colorado, UI "should pay it" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 11/10).
