I think he's done ok overall, but my snarky comment pointed more toward the feeling that he's a recluse who's rarely available to the public. Fans almost never see or hear from the guy, which as the de facto CEO of a major university's athletics department, isn't optimal (at least to me).
for perspective.
I think there are different types and they can all do well. A loud AD isn’t a requirement IMO.
I don't think a fundraiser necessarily has to be unprofessional or loud. Just because those are out there doesn't mean they are all that way. You'd think for $1 million a year you could find someone that could do it all. Esten seems professional and also good at fundraising, as an example.
They need to have a better non conference schedule then cupcakes. Although running up the score on the cupcakes sure helps the NET ranking sadly.
Solid communication skills matter to a degree in all sales situations, large and small. Seldom have I seen an individual at the stature of Coyle that struggles to speak as much as he does; and who disappears from notice for months at a time.
Mega Tongue was supposedly a proven fund raiser… he didn’t seem to do it here.
He's been a headhunter in NC for the past seven years. Doesn't list any of his AD positions on LinkedIn.
I don't think this is true at all. Fundraising absolutely is a skill and if you are saying not many people have that skill I'd agree with that. But it exists, 100%. There's a small group of people who are good at it.
I don't think this is true at all. Fundraising absolutely is a skill and if you are saying not many people have that skill I'd agree with that. But it exists, 100%. There's a small group of people who are good at it.
It's networking, Harvey Mackay absolutely has the skill, Lou Nanne has it, Sid Hartman had it, Pinky McNamara...these guys brought more awareness to the University of Minnesota 10,000X
in just one event than Mark Coyle has ever done.. And they did it relentlessly, repeatedly with many events. But, that was 40-50 years ago. And, nobody has taken their place.
It's very similar to promoting. Bill Graham (Concerts), Billy Graham (Christian) PT Barnum (Circus), Vince McMahon (wrestling), Berry Gordy (music)...I'm old...I am 100% sure there are present day people doing similar things to both of these groups of people around the country...I'm just unaware who they are.
These guys are good at organizing and promoting. To my knowledge the University of Minnesota has no visionary leader like this. But, we could hire one. Somebody with charisma, with original ideas, somebody able to inspire others, an evangelist for sports programs...a trail blazer. (SHIT, I just described PJ...he's got the wrong job!)
That is the heart of fundraising...reminding people who you are, where you are and asking for their help but making it fun...making people feel they are part of something bigger. Something important. You build momentum...you know that thing PJ says isn't real
There literally are professional fundraisers. It's a skill and a career for some. It has been quantified and people are employed to do it.
You can be a professional anything and not have some magical skill.
"I think proven big fundraisers are like quarterback whispers, everyone talks about them but if you look historically they do it one time in a specific situation, maybe two, and never again.
Sure, Coyle could hire someone to do it. Probably better than not doing it. Might be more meaningful if it was coming from the AD though.
How much did Lou bring in for the village vs anyone else?
They could and they might have but those people are not very good at what they are doing if they have. BUT, if I'm giving "big" money to something I wanna talk to the boss...I don't want some underling courting me. You are the leader, I wanna know your vision and what YOU are going to do with my money. It's different than buying a snow blower...I'll buy that from knowledgable sales person....I ain't giving the salesman a million dollars.....at the least he's an appointment setter to speak with MR Coyle..but I also doubt that is happening.
Your mind is made up. You do you on this one. I like many of your takes...on this one we are in different places and far apart.
I'm the executive director for a non-profit. Unsurprisingly, it's much smaller than the University of Minnesota's athletic department. My day-to-day responsibilities both directly and indirectly impact our fundraising capabilities, as I'm sure Coyle's do as well. I have staff tasked with managing donor relationships and I'm pulled into those conversations if/when I can add value, but the people I've hired make a big difference in our ability to ask for donations.
Worth finding out by hiring someone with some fundraising skills.
As has been commented on here already, we've had supposedly good or great fundraisers who have come here and haven't gotten anything done. I think the problem isn't the people being hired, it's either the university leadership or we don't have any big time donors who love the football program.
I'm going to guess if Scottsdale Gopher had that same attitude, his non-profit wouldn't generate much money.
Comparing a small non-profit to an institutional athletics department which possesses what is essentially a minor league pro football team is like comparing apples to oranges. One prints money (both internally and through external revenue sharing sources), the other's survival is completely dependent on establishing and maintaining relationships. One provides a service (assumedly), the other is entertainment. They're in entirely different environs. Their needs and expectations are totally different. It's also probably why people aren't rushing to donate money.
I'd rather the donations go to NIL.
