Alnutt helped develop Memphis’ $45M athletics program and oversaw all external operationsBOONE ENSER
New Univ. at Buffalo AD Mark Alnutt AD at his intro press conference yesterday showed that he is an "outstanding communicator," and on the heels of the program's recent success, UB "could use a relentless, out-front evangelist to keep building its sports presence in Western New York," according to Mark Gaughan of the BUFFALO NEWS. Alnutt has "charisma coming out of his eyeballs," and UB hopes it is a "characteristic that helps its athletic program build off what has been the greatest month in its sports history." Alnutt, previously Memphis Deputy AD, replaces Allen Greene, who left UB in January for Auburn. Fundraising will be a "critical part of Alnutt's job, since UB can't bank on big budgetary increases" from the SUNY system (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/22). In Buffalo, Dan Miner noted Alnutt "helped develop" Memphis’ $45M athletics program and "oversaw all external operations." He has "nearly 18 years of professional experience" in D-I athletics. Before Memphis, was Southeast Missouri State AD for three-plus years. Prior to that, he worked at his alma mater, Missouri (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/21).
WHAT'S NEXT FOR FOOTBALL? In Buffalo, Bucky Gleason notes Alnutt "came across how you hoped a top administrator would conduct himself in his first news conference." He sounded "professional and had his priorities in order while striking the proper balance between academics and athletics." But the more he talked, the "more it was obvious: UB hired someone willing to conform to its flawed football vision." Gleason: "This is nothing against him, but UB didn’t need an outsider in this particular case. It needed someone who knew Western New York from the inside and understood the region's attitude toward college football in particular." It is "disheartening, but UB has been unwavering in its commitment to football and its place in the MAC, even though better options could be available" (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/22).
THE PARKER CONNECTION: The BUFFALO NEWS' Gaughan notes UB hired Parker Executive Search to "identify top candidates for the AD job." UB also used Parker when it found Danny White as its AD in '12. Greene was hired by Auburn after "consultation with Parker Executive Search" (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/22).
