Impact Report: Atlantic Coast Conference

Michigan Launches Its National Search for the Next Athletic Director

The University Record — University of Michigan

Michigan announces the official launch of its national AD search to replace current AD Warde Manuel, who will step down at the end of the calendar year. U-M President-elect C. Cybele Raver will head the process, in partnership with current U-M President Domenico Grasso, while collaborating with executive search firm TurnkeyZRG. Raver will eventually select the next AD, subject to approval by the Michigan Board of Regents.

Clemson and North Carolina Back the PCSA but Keep Pressing Congress on Section 205

ESPN — David Hale

While Clemson AD Graham Neff and North Carolina AD Steve Newmark support the broader principles of the Protect College Sports Act, they continue talking to Congress about modifying Section 205, which mandates that schools switching conferences must spend three years as an independent. While a congressional committee aide defended the requirement as a necessary safeguard to prevent private equity firms from circumventing membership caps and establishing a super league, the universities argue the restriction limits their ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving economic environment. Neff: “We don’t believe Section 205 is critical to achieving the important protections that the rest of the bill provides. We think institutions should be able to decide how to strategically position their departments for long-term success.” Newmark tells ESPN’s David Hale: “We appreciate the bill attempting to tackle many of the key issues impacting college sports today. We wholeheartedly agree on the need to implement a uniform and national standard to bring a measure of stability and clarity to collegiate athletics. What we’ve not received clarity on is the purpose of the independence clause, particularly with the existing language, which caps conference membership.”

NC State Leans on Bill Cowher and Dewayne Washington in Its Football Coaching Search

@murphsturph via X

NC State AD Boo Corrigan and Chancellor Kevin Howell sent a letter to fans noting the Wolfpack “will rely on the counsel and expertise of trusted advisors,” including alumnus and former Pittsburgh Steelers HC Bill Cowher and former Wolfpack standout/NFL veteran Dewayne Washington, in the search for a new football head coach.

Abe Madkour on the Shrinking Authority of the Modern AD

Sports Business Journal — Abe Madkour

Sports Business Journal Publisher & Executive Editor Abe Madkour writes on some current marketplace challenges for ADs, starting with this insight from a former AD: “I never allowed my coaches to be in a meeting alone with our university president.” Madkour points to two high-profile open AD chairs at Miami (FL) & Florida State where university leadership, as well as the Head Football Coach in Coral Gables, appear to be calling all the shots for Athletics with little urgency to hire a new AD. Specifically on the Canes: “Sources have told me the school doesn’t seem to be looking for an AD, but more of a chief sales officer to drive revenue.” Madkour in conclusion: “Board members and presidents are growing more and more resentful of the lucrative salaries paid to conference commissioners and ADs. It’s common for ADs to outearn their presidents, and certainly for commissioners to make more, but that has fueled bitterness and tension in boardroom meetings. So, where are we? Successful coaches have more power than ever; boards and presidents are increasingly usurping authority from ADs; and for the ADs, it remains a lonely, stressful existence in what is the hardest job in sports business.”

The Michigan AD Hot Board: Candice Lee, Katie Fraumann and Joe Parker Among the Names

On3 — The Wolverine’s Chris Balas

The Wolverine’s Chris Balas reports that candidates for the Michigan AD opening include Vanderbilt AD Candice Lee, who previously worked with U-M President-elect C. Cybele Raver at Vandy, DePaul SVP for Advancement and External Relations Katie Fraumann, who is a former Michigan Assoc. AD and basketball alumna, and Iowa Deputy/former Colorado State AD Joe Parker, who is also a former Michigan swimming student-athlete.

Michigan Launches Its National Search for the Next Athletic Director

The University Record — University of Michigan

Michigan announces the official launch of its national AD search to replace current AD Warde Manuel, who will step down at the end of the calendar year. U-M President-elect C. Cybele Raver will head the process, in partnership with current U-M President Domenico Grasso, while collaborating with executive search firm TurnkeyZRG. Raver will eventually select the next AD, subject to approval by the Michigan Board of Regents.

Michigan State Hires Mike Polisky as Deputy AD and Spartan Ventures CEO

Michigan State Athletics

➯ Former Northwestern AD/recent Intersport EVP and Association of Pickleball Professionals President Mike Polisky has been hired by Michigan State as Deputy AD and Spartan Ventures CEO.

Iowa State Names Josh Turner Senior Deputy Athletics Director

Iowa State Athletics

➯ Iowa State welcomes Florida State Deputy AD/CFO Josh Turner as Senior Deputy AD. His responsibilities will include strategic planning, commercial strategy and revenue generation, as well as revenue sharing and NIL.

Georgia Tech Shares a Time-Lapse of Its New McCamish Pavilion Court Design

Georgia Tech Athletics via X

Georgia Tech shares a time-lapse video of the installation of its new hoops court design at McCamish Pavilion.