Straight from the Hart 10/8

[fifty]

I am surprised tennis facility will be done by November. Good for them. Tennis team had to practice off-campus way too much these last few years.

[stc9]

I'm just happy there is a sign that we have a plan. Multiple committees don't scare me when the people represented seem to overlap on them. We have a plan. We are organized. Most importantly...we have a real AD. Why, because not only is this a polished product...it is proof that he is in charge and is acting in the best interests of the entire department. He mentions practically every sport, and key components of new growth in several smaller sports...then ties it all together by expressing the importance of all programs, and how the growth and strengthening of the football program will help all sports.

I think one of the best things that Rick Hart has done is begin to strip away the secret society attitude from SMU. In my twenty plus years following SMU the story was always the same. Don't ask us what are we doing or how we are doing it, your job is simply to give money. If you read the last two "Straight from the Hart" e-mails he gives a call to action for the fans and why it is important.

[Junior]

In addition to Todd’s involvement, we have tapped into other resources to greatly enhance our access to data. For instance, our current partnership with WinAD provides us with information on contracts and financial data to ensure our investments are commensurate with our vision and goals. Coaches by the Numbers is helping us to be more informed about the impact, statistically, that certain coaches have on the success of their team. A third group has offered us an opportunity to conduct a “personality test” in advance of a hire to assist with the screening process (We are still evaluating this option). At the end of the day, personal interaction will drive our decision (not technology), but we are using a number of tools to aid us in our comprehensive evaluation of all potential candidates."

Using analytics in hiring a football coach? This could be interesting!

win-loss is an analytic. so is projected win-loss. i like analytics.

[Nacho]

the "personality test" is a good idea.

[CA Mustang]

Using analytics in hiring a football coach? This could be interesting!

It is not unusual at all.

What other colleges have cited analytics in their hiring decisions?

win-loss is an analytic. so is projected win-loss. i like analytics.

Agree on the first one and would be interested to see how they calculate the second one (if they use it).

[PerunasHoof]

Does anyone know what they are doing with the space where the torn down natatorium is? I didn't realize they were building the new one across 75. I tried to look on the SMU construction website and master plan but couldn't find anything.

[gostangs]

it is undetermined at this point. its obviously a prime spot - so every school in the University would love a shot at it. I wouldn't be surprised to see it go dorm, since the on campus thing has been so successful.

Hopefully the outdoor moves over there also - and we can have a fairly large area to work with in that location.

I would think a candidate would be a separate MBA building - which seems to be worth it given the importance of the business school to SMU.

[SMU1523]

Does anyone know what they are doing with the space where the torn down natatorium is? I didn't realize they were building the new one across 75. I tried to look on the SMU construction website and master plan but couldn't find anything.

Well, I have heard they are building a state of the art training facility for the "Mini Mustang Cheerleaders."

[Grant Carter]

Using analytics in hiring a football coach? This could be interesting!

It is not unusual at all.

What other colleges have cited analytics in their hiring decisions?

win-loss is an analytic. so is projected win-loss. i like analytics.

Agree on the first one and would be interested to see how they calculate the second one (if they use it).

I do not track that but I read an article awhile back about a firm that provided analytical support to colleges making hiring decisions that has had a lot of success. By success I mean they had gotten a lot of jobs, I have not idea of their reccomendations have been any good or not.

[PerunasHoof]

In all fairness to them, they probably stay longer at the games than most of the other fans. Haha

[RyanSMU98]

Does anyone know what they are doing with the space where the torn down natatorium is? I didn't realize they were building the new one across 75. I tried to look on the SMU construction website and master plan but couldn't find anything.

Future IPF site?

[couch 'em]

Fountain

[Digetydog]

the "personality test" is a good idea.

Many good HFB coaches are bat-hit crazy. If the test can identify them, go for it.

Of the top of my head, crazy coaches:
1 Urban M
2 Saban
3 Both Harbaugh brothers
4 Lombardi
5 Coach Stone - my 10th grade coach - flashback to watching a 5'8" very old guy demonstrate full speed form tackles. We were in full pads. He was in polyester coaching clothes - no hat.

[couch 'em]

Most very highly successful people are crazy in one way or another.

[Digetydog]

While I think that the wording is mostly babble, he sent the message that he has a plan.
1) He wants buy in from the various SMU groups that care about who we hire;
2) They will have a short list by the end of October;
3) The big money guys will buy into the short list before we begin interviews;
4) The interview team will step up once top candidates become available (late November); and
5) We will have our guy in early December.