Syracuse interim AD Dan French said that the majority of the finalists to fill the role on a permanent basis "were sitting athletic directors," but the search committee ultimately chose ESPN Exec VP/Production & Programming John Wildhack based on his "blend of sports business savvy, leadership skills and Syracuse ties," according to a front-page piece by Chris Carlson of the Syracuse POST-STANDARD. Wildhack said of the process, "It's been within the past month. The search firm Syracuse used reached out to me, and I had some alums reach out to me. It was at that time that I really thought about it. ... I met with the chancellor and was impressed with his vision." He said of leaving ESPN, "I told the people at ESPN ... it's the ultimate passion play. I love the university, I love the community, I love the area. The only place I would leave ESPN for is Syracuse." Wildhack said of his top priority, "It's important for the staff to meet me, and for me to meet them, and understand my philosophies and learn from them and get a good sense of what's in place." He said of the prospect of an ACC Network, "I see myself getting as involved as warranted. I think any official statements should come from (ACC Commissioner) John Swofford. But when appropriate, I look forward to getting involved in those discussions" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7). In Syracuse, Bud Poliquin writes Wildhack is in a "fairly enviable position," as "so much of the heavy lifting has been done." Many decisions "have been made," and so much of the course "has been set." Where once SU athletics "was a serious fixer-upper, it now just needs a little gardening" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7).
STABILITY AT THE TOP: The POST-STANDARD's Carlson notes Wildhack "has the Central New York ties" that many often felt former AD Daryl Gross "lacked" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7). Wildhack's brother, Henry, referring to recently departed SU AD Mark Coyle, said, "John is a Syracuse guy. He's not going to leave and go to Ohio State or some other great school" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7). In DC, Adam Kilgore writes Wildhack has "no prior experience in athletic administration, which makes him both a wild-card choice and a perfectly logical hire." People with business backgrounds run athletic departments now, "because the most prominent feature of college sports is business" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/7). In Syracuse, Brent Axe lists four reasons why the Wildhack hire will work for the school (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7).
ACCORDING TO JIM: In Syracuse, Donna Ditota notes basketball coach Jim Boeheim "did not know of Wildhack's candidacy" prior to the decision being made. But Boeheim said his relationship with Wildhack reaches back "many, many years." He said, "It's not just working with people, but he's solidified a lot of things in the sports world" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 7/7).
