Kansas must learn from the past in search for new Athletic Director
By Stan Unruh
The University of Kansas is looking for a new leader for the athletic department. The hard work that started Monday is just beginning.
As a matter of fact, most Kansas Jayhawk fans are pleased with the news that Sheahon Zenger is out. While that decision may have been difficult for University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod, the really difficult work is ahead. There are many questions to consider and many landmines to avoid, The university can learn from the past to avoid mistakes moving forward. It appears Girod is already doing some of the right things.
One of the most important things in this transition process is communication. Girod did the right thing by communicating with some of the university’s most important contributors. Gary Bedore wrote in the Kansas City Star of Girod’s visit with David Booth whose name is now on Memorial Stadium. Girod didn’t need anyone’s approval but it says a lot that he took time to call Booth and others on this important decision.
Girod has the right team in place to find a new athletic director. Drue Jennings found Bill Self. He will get help from Korn Ferry executive search firm’s Jed Hughes. They must find someone who knows football and football coaches. On the other hand, they must avoid the mistake the university made with Al Bohl. The new athletic director must also know and take very good care of Kansas basketball and coach Self.
The other issue that can’t be ignored is what to do with David Beaty and his staff. Jayhawk fans were happy to read in the chancellor’s Monday statement that he visited with the coach in this transition.
"I spoke with Coach Beaty and shared my expectation that he will continue recruiting hard and getting his team ready for the season."
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Can the football coach save his job?
Beaty’s seat was very warm and is now as hot as the lava coming from the Hawaii volcano. How many wins in 2018 will it take to save his job? How may Big 12 wins? It may be too late for that. However, Beaty might surprise everyone this season. That will make the life of the new athletic director more difficult but would be wonderful for Jayhawk fans.