New Oregon State AD Scott Barnes during his introduction last week said that he "hoped to bring stability to an athletic department that will see its third athletic director in three years," according to Danny Moran of the Portland OREGONIAN. Barnes called his position "absolutely a destination job." Terms of Barnes' contract have "not been finalized." But an OSU spokesperson said that the deal is "expected to last six years." While his time as AD at Pittsburgh was "limited, he put forth a long-term strategic plan and said he planned to do the same early in his Oregon State tenure." Barnes said that his plan would "include four areas: academic success, sustainment and growth of athletic success, the development of new revenue streams and fan outreach." His first 100 days will "include a 'methodical assessment' of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats." Barnes said that he would "reach out to key donors well before officially assuming his new duties on Feb. 13." Barnes: "We need to build revenues. We need to give our coaches the resources they need to compete at the highest level. And that means building the resources, being great stewards of what you have but continuing to build those resources." Moran noted financial sustainability will "likely be a major task on Barnes' agenda." A financial sustainability plan presented at an OSU BOT meeting in October "noted that the athletic department has operated at a deficit for the last three fiscal years." The plan concluded saying "significant changes in the operating model are required to run a competitive and financially sustainable Pac-12 athletics program." Barnes said he would create a 10-year "facilities master plan" to address areas of need (Portland OREGONIAN, 12/30).
