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re: UA President Bonner to recommend Bill Battle as New AD
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:39 am to RollTide MJ
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:39 am to RollTide MJ
I'm surprised at how quickly this recommendation was made. I would presume the University had a short list ready given Moore's declining health.
1
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:40 am to CapstoneGrad04
It's certainly a hire that is consistent with Moore, but it is kind of a Back to the Future hire and feels short term. He's 72 so I don't know how long he plans on being AD.
Most big schools have moved to the "Professional AD" model of hiring a guy that has worked their way up as an AD at multiple schools, more like hiring a HC. This goes to more of the old model of either making the football coach the AD or a "Good Ol' Boy" that is an alum. Battle has some very impressive credentials but he has never been an AD before from what I can tell or even an Asst AD.
It may be a great hire for Bama but it's not the type of hire I would want at A&M. I like the "Professional AD" model, you tend to get more new ideas and have more forward thinking but they still have to work with the alumni so you aren't selling your soul.
If Battle was 15 years younger I would also probably feel differently. Maybe this is just a stopgap hire because they needed a safe replacement for Moore quickly and the next hire will be more of a Professional AD and happen in the next 3-5 years.
Most big schools have moved to the "Professional AD" model of hiring a guy that has worked their way up as an AD at multiple schools, more like hiring a HC. This goes to more of the old model of either making the football coach the AD or a "Good Ol' Boy" that is an alum. Battle has some very impressive credentials but he has never been an AD before from what I can tell or even an Asst AD.
It may be a great hire for Bama but it's not the type of hire I would want at A&M. I like the "Professional AD" model, you tend to get more new ideas and have more forward thinking but they still have to work with the alumni so you aren't selling your soul.
If Battle was 15 years younger I would also probably feel differently. Maybe this is just a stopgap hire because they needed a safe replacement for Moore quickly and the next hire will be more of a Professional AD and happen in the next 3-5 years.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:42 am to PepaSpray
This is a sorry question to ask given the circumstances, but does anyone know if Mal Moore wrote the book that he planned on writing about the coaching search and hiring Saban? I was looking forward to reading it.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:42 am to NorthGAVol
quote:
After his seven-year career at Tennessee, Battle, 71, went on to found Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) in 1981. He served as its president and CEO until 2002. In 2001, he served as chairman of the board for Licensing Partners International (LPI).
Both companies were acquired by IMG in 2007.
Guy made bank.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:42 am to NorthGAVol
Does he have athletic admin experience?
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:44 am to crimsonsaint
quote:
This is a sorry question to ask given the circumstances, but does anyone know if Mal Moore wrote the book that he planned on writing about the coaching search and hiring Saban? I was looking forward to reading it.
He's not dead yet....
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:47 am to lowspark12
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:48 am to aggressor
quote:
It may be a great hire for Bama but it's not the type of hire I would want at A&M. I like the "Professional AD" model, you tend to get more new ideas and have more forward thinking but they still have to work with the alumni so you aren't selling your soul.
Thats how you end up with Dave Brandon who sucks big cock.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:50 am to GIbson05
quote:
He's not dead yet....
He ain't getting any younger either.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:50 am to aggressor
quote:The GOB network will never be removed from Bama - I'm fine with that, as long as they know their place and don't try to step in where they aren't needed (football operations) - they are instrumental in fundraising for major athletic facilities/upgrades/expansions, etc. Having a person in place that can communicate on their level and can get those checkbooks to open up when called upon is critical. We badly need a new baseball stadium, and Coleman Collesium has seen it's better days. Hopefully Battle can come in and pick up where Coach Moore left off and get the ball rolling faster in addressing those needs.
It's certainly a hire that is consistent with Moore, but it is kind of a Back to the Future hire and feels short term. He's 72 so I don't know how long he plans on being AD.
Most big schools have moved to the "Professional AD" model of hiring a guy that has worked their way up as an AD at multiple schools, more like hiring a HC. This goes to more of the old model of either making the football coach the AD or a "Good Ol' Boy" that is an alum. Battle has some very impressive credentials but he has never been an AD before from what I can tell or even an Asst AD.
It may be a great hire for Bama but it's not the type of hire I would want at A&M. I like the "Professional AD" model, you tend to get more new ideas and have more forward thinking but they still have to work with the alumni so you aren't selling your soul.
If Battle was 15 years younger I would also probably feel differently. Maybe this is just a stopgap hire because they needed a safe replacement for Moore quickly and the next hire will be more of a Professional AD and happen in the next 3-5 years.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:50 am to wdeinttown
quote:
I'm surprised at how quickly this recommendation was made. I would presume the University had a short list ready given Moore's declining health.
I suspect you're right.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:51 am to RollTide MJ
Battle is a solid guy with impressive credentials. But he is 72. I'd think you'd be going through all this again in another few years.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:53 am to crimsonsaint
He can still talk. I'm sure he's told the story to someone for posterity.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:53 am to hsqb
quote:
Guy is probably worth close to a billion $.
MORE CROOTS! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:55 am to FlukerFlakes
The licensing program sure turned out better than his first business venture after coaching. 
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:56 am to FulmersGonnaFixIt
quote:
FulmersGonnaFixIt
quote:
LMAO
I'm completely sold on this hire now.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:58 am to bigpapamac
This is a stop gap for when Saban takes over the Ad in 5 years.
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:58 am to RollTide MJ
From: UA - The University of Alabama Faculty/Staff List [UA@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of uanews [uanews@ADVANCE.UA.EDU]
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 9:01 AM
To: UA@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: President Bonner to Recommend Bill Battle as Athletics Director
Dr. Judy Bonner, president of The University of Alabama, announced today that she will recommend to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees approval of her hiring Bill Battleas the University’s new Athletics Director.“Over the past several weeks, we have had multiple conversations about who should follow Coach Moore as AD,” said Bonner. “Based on Mal’s strong endorsement as well as Coach Battle’s affiliation with UA as a player, partner and donor, his experience as a coach and his significant business background, I am confident that he is the right person to serve UA in this position. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to build on the foundation of excellence that is the hallmark of Coach Moore’s tenure.”
Battle was a three-year starter (1960-62) for the Crimson Tide, and was a member of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961. In 1963, Battle served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma under legendary head coach Bud Wilkinson, and was an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy while serving a two-year military tour in 1964-65. In 1966, he moved to the University of Tennessee, where he was an assistant coach for four years. He was named head coach at Tennessee in 1970 and, during his seven-year tenure, his teams went 59-22-2, and won four out of five bowl games.
Coach Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) in 1981, and served as its president and CEO until 2002. He also has served as chairman of the board of Licensing Partners International (LPI), which was created in 2001 to represent licensing interests of non-collegiate sports properties, as well as corporate and entertainment properties. Both CLC and LPI were acquired by IMG (originally known as International Management Group) in 2007.
He was named to The University of Alabama All-Decade Team of the 1960s and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. He received the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athletic Award at The University of Alabama and was inducted into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2008. He was the recipient of a National Football Foundation award in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to amateur football. In 2010, he was selected as one of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators two-member Hall of Fame class.
Moore said he was pleased that President Bonner has selected Battle.
“When it became apparent that I was no longer going to be able to direct the Athletics Department,” Moore said, “I felt that Bill Battle was the one person who could sustain all the good things that have happened the past few years while also moving us forward with planned improvements.
“Certainly, his background at the University as a student-athlete coupled with a career as coach and his creativity and unparalleled success at Collegiate Licensing gives him an extensive background to lead the Crimson Tide Athletics Department.
“Bill is a man of unimpeachable integrity who understands the heritage and tradition of The University of Alabama. He has been a friend of mine since we were teammates and an individual who has always gone beyond the call of duty in helping the Athletics Department during my tenure as its director.
“I personally recommended Bill to Dr. Bonner for this job knowing he will appropriately support our coaches in their efforts to bring championship teams home to Tuscaloosa and ensure that our student-athletes earn their degrees and represent the Crimson Tide in the same manner that Bill did as a player and as an alumnus.”
“It is with extremely mixed emotions that I am involved in this process,” said Battle. “My strong preference is that my teammate and longtime friend Mal Moore would be announcing another amazing accomplishment. When the University reached out to me, my instinct was to say no. However, after speaking with Dr. Bonner, Dr. Witt, Coach Saban, Mal and Paul Bryant, and seeing what I’ve seen at the University, I couldn’t find a way to say no.
“The University of Alabama is at an all-time high in athletics, academics and most every other way, and I am deeply honored to be asked to serve in the position of Athletics Director. It is an extraordinary challenge and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I will do my dead-level best to continue the successes on and off the playing fields that Alabama fans have enjoyed over the past few years. I look forward to working with the great coaches, student athletes and administrative staff at the University to continue the momentum they have created.
“I want to again thank Dr. Bonner, Dr. Witt and the Trustees for their confidence in considering me for this position.”
Bonner said she would also recommend to the Board that Coach Moore be named Athletics Director Emeritus as well as special assistant to the president.
“Mal Moore’s legacy surrounds us every day,” Bonner said. “From state-of-the-art facilities, to raising more than $240 million in capital improvements to UA’s athletic facilities as well as support for UA’s students and athletes, to multiple teams that have excelled at every level, to attracting top-rated coaches and staff, he has upheld and embodied the Crimson Tide spirit in every endeavor. It is my pleasure to recommend to the Board that he be awarded another first in a career filled with them – UA’s first Athletics Director Emeritus. As we move forward, I am confident that Coach Battle will continue the momentum that Mal established.”
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 9:01 AM
To: UA@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: President Bonner to Recommend Bill Battle as Athletics Director
Dr. Judy Bonner, president of The University of Alabama, announced today that she will recommend to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees approval of her hiring Bill Battleas the University’s new Athletics Director.“Over the past several weeks, we have had multiple conversations about who should follow Coach Moore as AD,” said Bonner. “Based on Mal’s strong endorsement as well as Coach Battle’s affiliation with UA as a player, partner and donor, his experience as a coach and his significant business background, I am confident that he is the right person to serve UA in this position. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to build on the foundation of excellence that is the hallmark of Coach Moore’s tenure.”
Battle was a three-year starter (1960-62) for the Crimson Tide, and was a member of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961. In 1963, Battle served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma under legendary head coach Bud Wilkinson, and was an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy while serving a two-year military tour in 1964-65. In 1966, he moved to the University of Tennessee, where he was an assistant coach for four years. He was named head coach at Tennessee in 1970 and, during his seven-year tenure, his teams went 59-22-2, and won four out of five bowl games.
Coach Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) in 1981, and served as its president and CEO until 2002. He also has served as chairman of the board of Licensing Partners International (LPI), which was created in 2001 to represent licensing interests of non-collegiate sports properties, as well as corporate and entertainment properties. Both CLC and LPI were acquired by IMG (originally known as International Management Group) in 2007.
He was named to The University of Alabama All-Decade Team of the 1960s and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. He received the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athletic Award at The University of Alabama and was inducted into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2008. He was the recipient of a National Football Foundation award in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to amateur football. In 2010, he was selected as one of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators two-member Hall of Fame class.
Moore said he was pleased that President Bonner has selected Battle.
“When it became apparent that I was no longer going to be able to direct the Athletics Department,” Moore said, “I felt that Bill Battle was the one person who could sustain all the good things that have happened the past few years while also moving us forward with planned improvements.
“Certainly, his background at the University as a student-athlete coupled with a career as coach and his creativity and unparalleled success at Collegiate Licensing gives him an extensive background to lead the Crimson Tide Athletics Department.
“Bill is a man of unimpeachable integrity who understands the heritage and tradition of The University of Alabama. He has been a friend of mine since we were teammates and an individual who has always gone beyond the call of duty in helping the Athletics Department during my tenure as its director.
“I personally recommended Bill to Dr. Bonner for this job knowing he will appropriately support our coaches in their efforts to bring championship teams home to Tuscaloosa and ensure that our student-athletes earn their degrees and represent the Crimson Tide in the same manner that Bill did as a player and as an alumnus.”
“It is with extremely mixed emotions that I am involved in this process,” said Battle. “My strong preference is that my teammate and longtime friend Mal Moore would be announcing another amazing accomplishment. When the University reached out to me, my instinct was to say no. However, after speaking with Dr. Bonner, Dr. Witt, Coach Saban, Mal and Paul Bryant, and seeing what I’ve seen at the University, I couldn’t find a way to say no.
“The University of Alabama is at an all-time high in athletics, academics and most every other way, and I am deeply honored to be asked to serve in the position of Athletics Director. It is an extraordinary challenge and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I will do my dead-level best to continue the successes on and off the playing fields that Alabama fans have enjoyed over the past few years. I look forward to working with the great coaches, student athletes and administrative staff at the University to continue the momentum they have created.
“I want to again thank Dr. Bonner, Dr. Witt and the Trustees for their confidence in considering me for this position.”
Bonner said she would also recommend to the Board that Coach Moore be named Athletics Director Emeritus as well as special assistant to the president.
“Mal Moore’s legacy surrounds us every day,” Bonner said. “From state-of-the-art facilities, to raising more than $240 million in capital improvements to UA’s athletic facilities as well as support for UA’s students and athletes, to multiple teams that have excelled at every level, to attracting top-rated coaches and staff, he has upheld and embodied the Crimson Tide spirit in every endeavor. It is my pleasure to recommend to the Board that he be awarded another first in a career filled with them – UA’s first Athletics Director Emeritus. As we move forward, I am confident that Coach Battle will continue the momentum that Mal established.”
Posted on 3/21/13 at 9:59 am to I-59 Tiger
quote:
Battle is a solid guy with impressive credentials. But he is 72. I'd think you'd be going through all this again in another few years.
Maybe they're considering him a competent placeholder until Saban is ready to take the job.
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