PiPress: Former Gophers football stars Pete Najarian, Lee Hutton lobby for AD job

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BleedGopher

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per Marcus:

Pete Najarian moved back to the Twin Cities from New York this year to be closer to family.

So the former star linebacker for the University of Minnesota is around his alma mater more when he's not commuting to the Big Apple, where he works as a stock trader and television personality on CNBC's "Fast Money."

Najarian has talked to boosters about the resignation of Gophers athletics director Norwood Teague after a sexual harassment investigation. Despite his lack of athletic administrative experience, Najarian has become a favorite among boosters to replace Teague as AD.

"It's absolutely flattering beyond words to be in the conversation," said Najarian, 51. "Whether or not that's legitimate, we'll see. It'll be interesting once the university puts together a team (to decide) what they're looking for. I would be an out-of-the-box kind of guy."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28623653/former-gophers-football-stars-pete-najarian-lee-hutton

Go Gophers!!
 

BleedGopher said:
per Marcus:

Pete Najarian moved back to the Twin Cities from New York this year to be closer to family.

So the former star linebacker for the University of Minnesota is around his alma mater more when he's not commuting to the Big Apple, where he works as a stock trader and television personality on CNBC's "Fast Money."

Najarian has talked to boosters about the resignation of Gophers athletics director Norwood Teague after a sexual harassment investigation. Despite his lack of athletic administrative experience, Najarian has become a favorite among boosters to replace Teague as AD.

"It's absolutely flattering beyond words to be in the conversation," said Najarian, 51. "Whether or not that's legitimate, we'll see. It'll be interesting once the university puts together a team (to decide) what they're looking for. I would be an out-of-the-box kind of guy."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28623653/former-gophers-football-stars-pete-najarian-lee-hutton

Go Gophers!!
Click to expand...

I can't speak to whether or not Najarian would make a good AD. But wasn't *he* the one who put himself into the conversation with a tweet about talking to President Kaler right after news broke?

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 

GopherVictory said:
I can't speak to whether or not Najarian would make a good AD. But wasn't *he* the one who put himself into the conversation with a tweet about talking to President Kaler right after news broke?

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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I have no idea how to imbed a Tweet, but here's my interaction with Pete Najarian regarding the position:

petenajarian ‏@petenajarian · Aug 7

petenajarian retweeted Scott Olson
I can only say, I Love the "U", & I bleed Maroon & Gold


petenajarian added,





Scott Olson @Rescooter @petenajarian U of M AD in your future? You'd be a good one. Just sayin'



5 retweets 10 favorites


 Reply


 Retweet

5






 Favorite

10







 More
 

If the U is going to consider an "outside the box" candidate Najarian makes sense.
He was interviewed on 1500 and seemed to be stumping for the job. I have to say fairly successfully.
He's recently moved back to MN, made his money in business so there's an executive background at least, obviously is a former athlete and captain at the U.
His father was a top doctor at the U, and he claimed to be connected to the type of folks that donate to the U.
Obviously he would be one of several candidates, but he certainly was positive on the job. That's something a top AD candidate might not be considering the type of mess that will need to be sorted out for awhile at least.
 

I get people like him, I get people think he's really smart, I get people think he knows about money.

I just don't get why people think Najarian would be a realistic candidate.

If he would have played for any other school, no one would even consider him.

He played at MN last in 1985. That's 30 years ago. It's not like he's familiar with the Athletic Department. It's not like he has any familiarity with anything at the U.

And even if he did, what out of his accomplishments makes him a good candidate? He made money trading stocks? I could probably find 100 guys who played college football and made money trading stocks. Does that mean they should be considered, too? Ooh, he's on TV, too.

The AD has to know about the nuances of the NCAA. From rules to fundraising to future direction. They have to understand the inner working between the revenue and non-revenue teams. They need to understand intra- and inter- conference relationships. They need to know how to find good coaches. None of which Najarian has.

I would rather see the 2nd to the AD from a top tier school like say tOSU (just as an example) or an AD from a successful mid-tier school. I'd keep Beth Goetz before I hired Najarian. Yes, there's a chance Najarian could be hired and could be the greatest AD ever. There's a chance I could be hired and be the greatest AD ever. But the more likely scenario is the department will be better getting an experienced AD (whether 2nd in command or 1st) than getting someone without that experience.

It would be like hiring Dave Brandon was for Michigan. Trying to remember how that worked out... :)
 


They're looking for somebody they actually KNOW something about, which is often what is missed in some
"nationwide" search. A good background check would have been helpful on Teague.

Many of you probably know Najarian. There is no doubt about his passion for his school. He wants it to
succeed and would rather lose an arm than disgrace it.

I have met Hutton. He is a very personable guy and very likable as well. He has struck me as being very
bright and also in love with his school.

Both would represent the U well and would raise money for it also.

I would be delighted with either Hutton or Najarian.
 

IF he is uniquely qualified to be a terrific fundraiser you could bring him in as a figurehead and keep someone like Beth doing all the administrative duties(like she probably has for the last few years). Seems that in this day and age "likeable, good TV presence, great fundraiser" are more important qualifications than "knowledgeable, good administrator, experienced".
 

metrolax said:
They're looking for somebody they actually KNOW something about, which is often what is missed in some
"nationwide" search. A good background check would have been helpful on Teague.

Many of you probably know Najarian. There is no doubt about his passion for his school. He wants it to
succeed and would rather lose an arm than disgrace it.

I have met Hutton. He is a very personable guy and very likable as well. He has struck me as being very
bright and also in love with his school.

Both would represent the U well and would raise money for it also.

I would be delighted with either Hutton or Najarian.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but you appear to be making an assumption here that a simple background check would have turned up potential sexual harassment issues. Based on the info we have right now, the two reports that the U has received are the only official reports there are about Teague's behavior. Yes, there are potentially even more victims that may come forward (and they absolutely should). But based on what has been reported right now, there aren't that many incidents officially reported. So no, a background check wouldn't have turned something like this up.

For all we know, a background check was conducted and Teague passed. We will find out more with the coming investigation. I have the mindset right now of letting Beth run the department and see how it fairs. From the Stib article it sounds like she is a very capable leader. She could be the perfect fit. Definitely sounds like someone the U would not want to lose.
 

Gopherdrummer said:
Sorry, but you appear to be making an assumption here that a simple background check would have turned up potential sexual harassment issues. Based on the info we have right now, the two reports that the U has received are the only official reports there are about Teague's behavior. Yes, there are potentially even more victims that may come forward (and they absolutely should). But based on what has been reported right now, there aren't that many incidents officially reported. So no, a background check wouldn't have turned something like this up.

For all we know, a background check was conducted and Teague passed. We will find out more with the coming investigation. I have the mindset right now of letting Beth run the department and see how it fairs. From the Stib article it sounds like she is a very capable leader. She could be the perfect fit. Definitely sounds like someone the U would not want to lose.
Click to expand...

When Jerry Sandusky was let go at Penn State, he did apply for other positions, notably at Juniata in PA. While nothing showed on a traditional "background check" because, as you say,
there was nothing in his criminal report, there was enough "common knowledge" in the area about the guy that caused them to balk on hiring him. This is the sort of thing that might
have been missed had he applied for a job in, say, San Diego, but was not missed at all in PA. I do know the difference between a traditional background check and a REAL background check.
 



Lakeville Goldy said:
I get people like him, I get people think he's really smart, I get people think he knows about money.

I just don't get why people think Najarian would be a realistic candidate.

If he would have played for any other school, no one would even consider him.

He played at MN last in 1985. That's 30 years ago. It's not like he's familiar with the Athletic Department. It's not like he has any familiarity with anything at the U.

And even if he did, what out of his accomplishments makes him a good candidate? He made money trading stocks? I could probably find 100 guys who played college football and made money trading stocks. Does that mean they should be considered, too? Ooh, he's on TV, too.

The AD has to know about the nuances of the NCAA. From rules to fundraising to future direction. They have to understand the inner working between the revenue and non

This is a job that we gave to Numbnuts Teague. Certainly Najarian would be an upgrade.
Click to expand...
 

Classic case of provincialism - like somebody noted, if he attended Wisconsin with his experience he wouldn't even be considered/mentioned.
 

It would be a great hire. The guy has done more than "trade stocks", he developed the top Options trading platform. He built a large successful company and sold if for $$$$. Donors could not say no to this guy.
 

Plus the prigs in the administration screwed over his brilliant and illustrious father. I would like to see this.
 



LakerFan said:
IF he is uniquely qualified to be a terrific fundraiser you could bring him in as a figurehead and keep someone like Beth doing all the administrative duties(like she probably has for the last few years). Seems that in this day and age "likeable, good TV presence, great fundraiser" are more important qualifications than "knowledgeable, good administrator, experienced".
Click to expand...

+1. It seems like this will be the case no matter who they hire. Be the figurehead. Fund raise. Make sure we don't get screwed over in the next conference expansion/TV deal, etc. Someone else handles the day-to-day stuff.
 


Big Ten Mind said:
Classic case of provincialism - like somebody noted, if he attended Wisconsin with his experience he wouldn't even be considered/mentioned.
Click to expand...

And what school besides Wisconsin was hiring Barry Alvarez to be the AD?
 


Though fund-raising is very important at MN right now, let's keep in mind we need to hire an actual AD. Hopefully that person would have some actual experience in the field of athletic administration.
 

To have candidates with connections to the U should not be a disqualifier. The AD needs to be out glad handing and fund raising 24/6. He need administration people to handle the day to day. Ask yourself who is best able to raise the money to build the facilities? Someone who will need to be briefed, engage in a study, form a committee before holding a news conference? Or someone who hits the ground sprinting with that goal in mind. An outside candidate unless they pull a rabbit out a hat will take at least 3 months more to get up to speed.
 

Lakeville Goldy said:
I get people like him, I get people think he's really smart, I get people think he knows about money.

I just don't get why people think Najarian would be a realistic candidate.

If he would have played for any other school, no one would even consider him.

He played at MN last in 1985. That's 30 years ago. It's not like he's familiar with the Athletic Department. It's not like he has any familiarity with anything at the U.

And even if he did, what out of his accomplishments makes him a good candidate? He made money trading stocks? I could probably find 100 guys who played college football and made money trading stocks. Does that mean they should be considered, too? Ooh, he's on TV, too.

The AD has to know about the nuances of the NCAA. From rules to fundraising to future direction. They have to understand the inner working between the revenue and non-revenue teams. They need to understand intra- and inter- conference relationships. They need to know how to find good coaches. None of which Najarian has.

I would rather see the 2nd to the AD from a top tier school like say tOSU (just as an example) or an AD from a successful mid-tier school. I'd keep Beth Goetz before I hired Najarian. Yes, there's a chance Najarian could be hired and could be the greatest AD ever. There's a chance I could be hired and be the greatest AD ever. But the more likely scenario is the department will be better getting an experienced AD (whether 2nd in command or 1st) than getting someone without that experience.

It would be like hiring Dave Brandon was for Michigan. Trying to remember how that worked out... :)
Click to expand...

Yeah. Then Michigan hired Jim Hackett who was the CEO of Steelcase Office Furniture. All he did was hire Jim Harbaugh. Looking to see how that will work out! The last two AD's we have had have been traditional AD's. Trying to remember how that has worked out! In debt due to firings and a tremendous hire in Tim Brewster. Then another guy who can't keep his hands to himself. Why not think outside the box? Najarian, Hutton, John Anderson and Glen Mason all have ties and could fundraise. Anderson got the baseball stadium built with virtually no help. While we are at it, Kaler deserves a good look at being asked to move on. This was his hire! Obviously, Teague wasn't vetted very well! Take a look at Jim Fiore who was Kaler's AD at Stony Brook. He got fired for sexual harassment as well. Then we have the whole situation with Dan Markingson and the Psychiatry Dept. where Kaler stonewalled the auditor. I'm ready for new blood and that includes Morrill Hall. Kaler won't survive this.
 

Hwy and Station are right on. I'm not suggesting these guys wouldn't succeed but the last thing we need given the Teague debacle is another Brewster-like situation where we have someone way over the head. Get someone with proven success as an AD or AD assistant along with perhaps a more rigorous background check ;-)
 


Plus we already have Lou Nanne on board. I can't think of any AD we hire would be better than Lou for the fund raising.

With the investigation coming up, I think it will be quite awhile till we have a new AD.

My prediction for our next AD, Craig Thopmson. U of M grad.
http://www.themwc.com/page/bio_thompson_craig
 

Ole said:
If the U is going to consider an "outside the box" candidate Najarian makes sense.
He was interviewed on 1500 and seemed to be stumping for the job. I have to say fairly successfully.
He's recently moved back to MN, made his money in business so there's an executive background at least, obviously is a former athlete and captain at the U.
His father was a top doctor at the U, and he claimed to be connected to the type of folks that donate to the U.
Obviously he would be one of several candidates, but he certainly was positive on the job. That's something a top AD candidate might not be considering the type of mess that will need to be sorted out for awhile at least.
Click to expand...

Well there was the whole federal investigation and resigning under pressure of his father to consider. Not that Peter should be judged on the actions of his father, but there may be some who don't want the name associated with a position of power at the U again.

Granted Dr. Najarian was acquitted of all charges...
 

station19 said:
Plus we already have Lou Nanne on board. I can't think of any AD we hire would be better than Lou for the fund raising.

With the investigation coming up, I think it will be quite awhile till we have a new AD.

My prediction for our next AD, Craig Thopmson. U of M grad.
http://www.themwc.com/page/bio_thompson_craig
Click to expand...

Clean shaven
Button down collar
and nice hair.

My kind of guy!

54dfae29e4b0def1b3088ec9
 



station19 said:
Clean shaven
Button down collar
and nice hair.

My kind of guy!

54dfae29e4b0def1b3088ec9
Click to expand...

Has he shown interest in the position? I get it that he's got the cred; but he's got a pretty good thing going now.
 

Rescooter said:
Has he shown interest in the position? I get it that he's got the cred; but he's got a pretty good thing going now.
Click to expand...

Reusse claims he is,...........and that he "Bleed*s maroon and gold".

* I thought Bleed deserved to be capitalized.:)
 

IronRanger91 said:
Yeah. Then Michigan hired Jim Hackett who was the CEO of Steelcase Office Furniture. All he did was hire Jim Harbaugh. Looking to see how that will work out! The last two AD's we have had have been traditional AD's. Trying to remember how that has worked out! In debt due to firings and a tremendous hire in Tim Brewster. Then another guy who can't keep his hands to himself. Why not think outside the box? Najarian, Hutton, John Anderson and Glen Mason all have ties and could fundraise. Anderson got the baseball stadium built with virtually no help. While we are at it, Kaler deserves a good look at being asked to move on. This was his hire! Obviously, Teague wasn't vetted very well! Take a look at Jim Fiore who was Kaler's AD at Stony Brook. He got fired for sexual harassment as well. Then we have the whole situation with Dan Markingson and the Psychiatry Dept. where Kaler stonewalled the auditor. I'm ready for new blood and that includes Morrill Hall. Kaler won't survive this.
Click to expand...

FYI - Jim Hackett is interim. I'm not convinced any AD at Michigan (even if it was Badger Joel) couldn't have lured Harbaugh there last year. He was going to be canned by San Fran, Michigan football was in a bad place and needed a hero and they had unlimited resources to get him. Every analyst on Earth predicted it even before Brandon "resigned". Only a complete buffoon wouldn't have gotten it done.

And, frankly, I'm not 100% convinced Harbaugh will be the panacea they think it will be. Or that he'll be there in 3 years regardless of his success there.

Say what you will about Maturi, but he took two completely disfunctional departments that were bleeding money and created a functional department that broke even, even with the payments to departed coaches. And helped get a stadium built (though that was greatly due to Mason). Yes, the job passed him by several years before he "resigned". But if you look at what the department(s) were when he got here you can't ignore the success he had here.

Teague three weeks ago was considered a good AD. He was raising money, had the football team going the right way, etc. Yes, what he did was despicable. But that could happen with Pete Najarian. I don't know how he handles his liquor. I don't know how handsy he is. Maybe he forces all his female employees to sleep with him. You don't know.

Glen Mason would be a poor choice. He did not cultivate relationships when he was here and left many donors and supporters with a bad taste in their mouth. John Anderson is probably not a bad choice other than he would not prioritize revenue sports (he's been very critical of the support he's gotten).

I feel like Najarian would be a lot like the Brewster hire. A rah rah guy who doesn't have the experience usually required for the position. Doesn't mean he'll have the same "success" as Brew, but they are comparable. Hutton at least understands the legal side of things especially with athletics. I would see him as more qualified, personally.

Also, I don't buy that Kaler "should have known". You pay a firm to check people and they say there's no red flags, how is Kaler supposed to find something? Do we need to get every male candidate drunk in the presence of women? And yes, Kaler's had two AD's get fired for the same thing. That could mean he has a zero tolerance for it rather than sweeping it under the rug like I'm convinced happens at many other schools...
 

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