PonyFans' wish list for new AD

[Hoofprint]

In light of the announcement that Rick Hart is leaving his position as SMU's AD, it raised the question of what is really in the job description. I don't mean the one that might be printed on SMU's (or the search firm's) website, but the real criteria that should be considered when selecting RH's successor.

So, PonyFans, what do YOU want to see on the criteria list? This isn't about naming candidates — just listing attributes that you'd like to see in the next AD.

Mine:

1. Elite fundraiser. Donors have underwritten the lost ACC television money, but there is never an end to the need for money, including (obviously) the rising cost of paying student-athletes. This isn't about which athletes deserve how much. It's the cost of doing business. A player's price tag might be too high, but if it means keeping that athlete away from another school willing to throw around money, it has to be paid to keep up and compete.

2. Connections and relationships with networks, which control so much of what happens in football and basketball. It has to be someone who can reach out to the media power brokers and get quick and substantive responses to whatever the question or issue might be.

3. Connections with elite coaches in football and basketball. They don't have to be Nick Saban/Coach K "name" coaches, but they have to be coaches who could, if necessary, come in and keep the programs on their current upward trajectories. Obviously, Rhett Lashlee and Andy Enfield both have gotten off to good starts and appear to have the programs headed in the right direction, and hopefully that continues and they stay at SMU for ages. But the fact is that coaches leave jobs. They retire, they jump for more money, to be closer to family — whatever the reason, it happens. Top ADs are said to have a list at all times of potential replacements in those sports, and the next AD at SMU has to do so, too.

4. Abiity develop connections in Dallas and across Texas. Yes, there are some very effective ADs who stay locked behind closed doors and lead their programs effectively while rarely being seen, but SMU is still selling itself as a state and national brand.

5. Has to work well and share a vision with Jay Hartzell. Pretty obvious: got to get along with the new boss.

[BUS]

You have a fantastic outline for a C.V.

Only thing I would add... a tie to SMU.
Parents, grands, brother,wife...
⁶
In a word, family!

[SMUFan]

Bring in corporate sponsors, so we don't have to lean on the big donors to foot the bill for everything.

[HubbaHubba]

The U Conn AD, David Benedict. Big basketball supporter. Embraces NIL. Gets corporate money. If we can't poach ut's AD, Benedict should get a look.

[Hilltopper]

The U Conn AD, David Benedict. Big basketball supporter. Embraces NIL. Gets corporate money. If we can't poach ut's AD, Benedict should get a look.

Seems like a legitimate candidate, at least. Not only does Connecticut have two of the best basketball teams in the country every year, but football is relevant again at a school that never cared about football. If he can oversee a revival like that up there, imagine what he could do at a place like SMU.