Evans now faces steep tasks in fundraising, which is believed to be one of his biggest strengthsUNIV. OF MARYLAND
The Univ. of Maryland named Damon Evans its AD yesterday, two months after the university "started a nationwide search to replace Kevin Anderson," according to Jesse Dougherty of the WASHINGTON POST. Evans, who has served as acting AD for about eight months, will "officially take over the role on July 2." Evans has "led the athletic department since Anderson went on six-month sabbatical leave in October." Evans came to Maryland from Georgia, where he resigned in '10 after he was "charged with a DUI." The announcement comes after the school interviewed "two other finalists" -- Temple AD Patrick Kraft and former Tennessee AD John Currie. It was "believed then that Kraft was the front-runner, and that confidence in Evans had waned following the death of Maryland football player Jordan McNair earlier this month." But sources said that Evans "has had the full support" of UM President Wallace Loh since Anderson resigned. Evans will face "steep tasks in fundraising, which is believed to be one of his biggest strengths." The price tag for Cole Field House, Maryland’s new football practice facility, was "raised last summer" by 25% to $196M. That "left the school on the hook" for an additional $19M, which "must be paid" by '22 (WASHINGTON POST, 6/26).
POLARIZING FIGURE: In Baltimore, Don Markus notes Evans has "become something of a polarizing figure at Maryland, especially in recent months when he got rid of two of Anderson’s closest confidants in the department." Still, several coaches in the athletic department have "embraced Evans as their leader." While his supporters also "include members of his senior staff ... he has many detractors among a vocal group of longtime donors and prominent alumni." Several of them "voiced their displeasure with Evans to Loh during the search process." Vintage Settlement Services President Barry DesRoches and others "told Loh that they didn’t think Maryland should hire anyone with professional and personal baggage for the job" (BALTIMORE SUN, 6/26).
