I just feel coach McDermott was a better fit for Iowa State. |
I made a personal commitment to myself that when the opportunity came it would need to be at the right place and the right time. The job is just too demanding to want to be an athletic director. I wanted to be an athletic director where I knew it was the right place and the right time. |
I think that's the most reasonable approach when discussing all our programs. |
I wanted an individual who had a sincere passion for being the next Cyclone men's basketball coach. One coach emerged as the clear cut favorite . . . (and that's) Greg McDermott. |
I've requested that Bill Smith oversee the transition and wrap his hands around the program. He's already had several conversations with current players and recruits. |
It came down to giving a guy from Iowa a chance to prove that his formula works at the big-time level. What's important to me is that we build this overall athletic program the right way. |
It was hard. He's an outstanding coach, and he's going to have many outstanding opportunities ahead of him. I just feel coach McDermott was a better fit for Iowa State. |
It was more convenient. We could watch the women's game, then go back into the office and work when we needed to. Mac and I agreed to talk again at 9:30 ? after the game. |
Other than the Anthony Davis piece, I don't think (Iowa State) did anything wrong. But the fact that we're associated with something that certainly has the appearance that is less than desirable ... that's a concern. |
President Geoffroy is committed to having a first-class, highly successful athletic program, as I am. But we also have a fan base that clearly supports that goal and wants us to do what is necessary to make that happen. That is what begins now. |
Right now, his contract is probably 10th or 11th in the Big 12 Conference. We're not asking him to be 10th or 11th in the Big 12, so there are some things we have to look at. |
The fact that we didn't make the NCAA Tournament or the NIT contributed to the decision, but I want to emphasize it's clearly not the only reason we're making the decision. |
To cement the legacy of coach Douglas, I'm pleased to announce publicly the creation of the Bobby Douglas Endowed Scholarship. One Cyclone wrestler will receive his scholarship aid under the name of Bobby Douglas forever. I must thank John Allen for his generous financial contribution to endow this scholarship and guarantee that Coach Douglas is celebrated annually through this endowment. |
To me, this was really a decision about a head coach, a mentor and his pupil and our strong desire that we would do everything possible to make sure that vision happened. |
We feel we made a great offer. |