As Syracuse Orange fans find themselves in a swirl of speculation about the next athletic director, it's important to step back and consider the broader picture. While recent struggles in men’s basketball have heightened concerns about John Wildhack's replacement, success on the field or court might not hinge solely on the AD.
Looking across the landscape of current Power 4 schools, we see athletic directors with a mix of triumphs and setbacks in their coaching hires. Take Bubba Cunningham at North Carolina, for example. Known for leading one of the top athletics programs nationwide, his decision to bring a renowned football coach to Chapel Hill didn't pan out as expected, resulting in a challenging 4-8 season and off-field issues.
Then there's Scott Stricklin at Florida. Since 2016, he's been credited with restoring the Gators' basketball prowess by hiring Todd Golden.
However, Florida's football program has struggled under his watch, now on its third head coach. It's a reminder that even with a strong track record, ADs face their share of hurdles.
Michigan, under Warde Manuel, has seen a surge with Dusty May leading the charge. Manuel didn't hire Jim Harbaugh, but he was at the helm when Harbaugh secured a National Title. Yet, his tenure has also been marred by scandals, raising questions about his future as new leadership takes over in Ann Arbor.
Indiana's Scott Dolson made waves by hiring Curt Cignetti for football, but his basketball hires, including Darien Devries, have yet to change the program's trajectory, as the Hoosiers face another season of double-digit losses.
Even at a powerhouse like Ohio State, finding the right fit isn't straightforward. Ross Bjork, who arrived from Texas A&M, is known for splashy hires like Jimbo Fisher and Buzz Williams. However, his attempt to hire Mark Stoops backfired, leading to unexpected outcomes.
These examples illustrate that even with strong fanbases and resources, perfect hires are elusive. A capable AD can ease coaches' tasks and make impactful hires, but they aren't the ones on the sidelines.
As Syracuse considers its next move, it's crucial to look beyond flashy resumes. An AD's success isn't solely measured by wins and losses but by their ability to provide the resources and environment coaches need to thrive.
In an ideal scenario, an AD operates quietly in the background, ensuring the focus remains on the field. The priority should be revenue generation and assembling a team that can identify the right coaching talent. Ultimately, Syracuse's choice will reflect what coaches deem essential, because winning tends to make everyone happy.