Many questions asked of new UConn AD David Benedict yesterday at his introductory press conference "focused on the task of getting" the school into a Power Five conference, but Benedict "walked the line between putting UConn in position to be a part of the next stage of conference realignment and not disrespecting the American Athletic Conference," according to Jim Fuller of the NEW HAVEN REGISTER. Benedict said, "I think it is important for us to be good partners with our current conference. I think the American has done a great job putting together a very strong conference in a very short period of time and we are going to be great members to that conference. At the same time, we are going to make sure we position ourselves so we can remain competitive nationally in all of our sports." He added, "This is a Power 5 or if you want to refer to it as an Autonomy 5 program all day every day." UConn President Susan Herbst said of Benedict, "He knows amazing people. He knows people at that level, and it is very important to us" (NEW HAVEN REGISTER, 3/2).
EAGLE EYE: In Hartford, Paul Doyle notes Herbst when introducing Benedict "talked about his commanding presence and diverse background." Benedict is the 12th AD in UConn history and "is very much an outsider after spending his career everywhere but the Northeast." Herbst said, "I find that people who have been around the nation like that -- myself included -- you pick up best practices and you pick up different ideas." Doyle reports Benedict "agreed to a contract that runs through June 30, 2021," and he will "be paid a base salary of $450,000 with the ability to earn $100,000 in bonuses." There is a retention bonus of $50,000 per year if he "stays for five years." UConn "interviewed nine candidates, all within the past week." Benedict said, "Fundraising will be critical to us. That is the only revenue opportunity for us that is totally uncapped" (HARTFORD COURANT, 3/2).
TO-DO LIST: In Hartford, Jeff Jacobs writes his first impression of Benedict is that he "is bright." Jacobs: "He is disciplined. He is concise. And he is careful, really careful." Benedict has "seen all sides of the crazy collegiate landscape at a handful of different schools." He has "touched little money" and he has "touched big money, overseeing the daily operation" of a $120M-a-year program at Auburn and negotiating a nine-year, $81M deal with Under Armour (the biggest such deal in the SEC). Jacobs: "What Benedict must do is best position the athletic department financially. What Benedict must do is keep the athletic department on the solid course it is on academically. What Benedict must do is best position the school for new or restructured venues. What Benedict must do is help make football into FOOTBALL." That "means more fans at games," as well as "assuring a continued rise in fortunes that started last season." What Benedict must do is "continue the school's current campaign of selling its presence in the New York area in case the Big 12 decides that the biggest market is a determining factor in its expansion" (HARTFORD COURANT, 3/2).
STAYING A WHILE? In Connecticut, John Nash noted a promise Benedict made to his 13-year-old sons "was one of the moments that really jumped out from his introductory press conference." Benedict said, "I promised them we're not going anywhere for a really long time." Benedict's history at several different schools "could spell out some sort of trouble, but it could also spell out a top-notch, highly valued up-and-comer, climbing the career ladder because of his talents and success" (THEHOUR.com, 3/1). Also in Connecticut, Gavin Keefe writes under the header, "Benedict Brings Passion, Experience To UConn Job."
