Oklahoma State is "exploring the possibility" of hiring an AD-in-waiting, someone who would agree to become current AD Mike Holder’s "designated successor," according to sources cited by Bill Haisten of the TULSA WORLD. Sources said that several influential OSU figures are "advocates of change" in the AD's office. It is "not known what the transition timeline might look like, but informed OSU people are in agreement that something soon could happen." He "turns 70 in 17 months, but Holder’s age does not seem to be a factor in any movement" toward a different AD. Holder’s health also "appears to be phenomenal." Sources said that Holder’s detractors are "fatigued" by his "history of discord with football coach Mike Gundy, and frustrated by the combination of basketball missteps." Holder yesterday "acknowledged having received an avalanche of critical correspondence from OSU fans." For 51 years, Holder has been an "everyday presence on the OSU campus." However, he also acknowledges that he "occasionally contemplates retirement" (TULSA WORLD, 3/28).
