Josh Whitman Named 14th Illinois Athletics Director

#53      

Orange

Orange
Orange
we did it you guys! the thread's expert analysis led to the correct hire!
 
#55      

EJ33

E
San Francisco
EJ33
I'm really excited to have someone we can be proud of representing the U of I.

It's a good hire that has a chance to be great.

I am ready to be patient to see what he can do.

:clappy:
 
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#56      

Butkuser

B
Butkuser
Decided to check into the UofI's presentation of Sartre's No Exit...and WHOA! We have our AD!

I love the hire. I know the other two were favored, but I really think we got a good one. Let's get things rollin'!!!
 
#57      

icengineer

I
Southern Illinois
icengineer
First and foremost, Whitman needs to get him some D1 experience on his staff that he can lean on. Surround himself with people he can trust. Afterwards I think Whitman has to, at the very least, insist on a staff change in mens BB to at least show that he is not happy with the current state of the program. Feelers for a new FB coach need to go out immediately. A change doesn't need to happen until after next season but if he's got some good connections (I doubt it) and someone worthwhile jumps at the opportunity before next year, go for it! Womens BB, that's a tough one. Bollant has a stellar history prior to stepping on campus. Do you try and weather the storm and see if he rights the ship? Who knows? Does he have a good class coming in next year? I don't follow the gals so I've no idea. If so, maybe you wait and see. Our other sports seem to be doing well, let those ride.
 
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#58      

EJ33

E
San Francisco
EJ33
Just checking all the comments on Twitter...can't find anybody taking shots at Whitman yet. That is a welcome change. I guess that's what happens when you hire someone who is so clearly an A+ person even though he might lack experience.
 
#60      

CUWPC

C
Geneva, IL
CUWPC
I love this hire. They could have settled for a safe non-Illini person and struck out. This guy is a winner and will excel at so many things. And my biggest point of emphasis has always been he's an Illini. He wants to be here and see the university succeed. He will take it personal when things go bad and do what it takes to make it work. Finally I think he will excel at raising money and getting big projects financed.
 
#61      

chiefrunninggame

C
chiefrunninggame
At least it's over with. Having an athletic director is probably better than not having an athletic director. Things can't really get much worse, so have at it.
 
#62      

illini39

illini39
Barrington, IL
illini39
Great hire and great day for the Orange and Blue. I really think he's a winner and will work hard to get a handle on the job at hand very quickly. I see big changes in the DIA over the next couple years. He will unite the donors, fans and supporters as well as set new standards for the main revenue programs. He understands the great I-80 divide and I trust he will try to build a bridge between the ECI and Chicago partisans. Let’s now give the man some room and let him go to work!
 
#63      

icengineer

I
Southern Illinois
icengineer
illini39 said:
Let’s now give the man some room and let him go to work!
Click to expand...

Exactly! There are no quick fixes here. Let's be patient and allow things to be structured from the inside out. We've been down for a while in mens BB and FB and it will take time.
 
#66      

IlliniOX08

I
Bucktown, Chicago
IlliniOX08
Welcome to Josh and hit the ground running, lord knows our revenue programs need it. I've been outspoken that I didn't think he was ready yet and I certainly hope he proves me wrong in a big way.

Intelligence, ambition, and being personable will go a long way and from the sounds of it he's got all of those in droves.
 
#67      

UIUC1867

UIUC1867
Christian County, IL
UIUC1867
I'm going to withhold judgement on JW until he's several months into the job. I will say it's an interesting hire outside the box. Let's just see where this journey goes from here.
 
#68      

BananaShampoo

B
Captain 'Paign
Phoenix, AZ
BananaShampoo
Finally it's over. I'm happy with the choice. I really think he could be our Jim Phillips, or George.
 
#69      

EJ33

E
San Francisco
EJ33
Wow, a positive reaction from Dan Bernstein:

I am hearing only good things about Josh Whitman from people I trust. I hope that he helps University of Illinois athletics restore itself.
Click to expand...
 
#70      

BWBW

BWBW
BWBW
I'm beginning to think there were three top candidates: George, Tiley, and Whitman.

1A, 1B, 1C. 1C is good enough for me. I hope he proves to be an exceptional AD. :hailtotheorange:
 
#71      

IlliniFanHere

I
New York
IlliniFanHere
EJ33 said:
Just checking all the comments on Twitter...can't find anybody taking shots at Whitman yet. That is a welcome change. I guess that's what happens when you hire someone who is so clearly an A+ person even though he might lack experience.
Click to expand...

Better tune in to 670theScore , Chicago's hit n run radio show. I'm sure they're cooking up some insults right now.
 
#73      

ButkusDaBear

B
ButkusDaBear
I can't tell you how happy I am with this hire. George and Tiley would have been good gets but we now have our version of Jim Philips. Not only does Whitman have the qualities to be an effective AD but he could have interviewed for the Chancellor position and be given consideration. This is the turning point needed for Illinois athletics. :illinois:
 
#74      

PostersLastStand

P
Wayne County, IL
PostersLastStand
I like the fact he was an Illini athlete. Also, did I read in one of the previous posts that he was a Harrison High School graduate? Harrison in Evansville, IN? I hope the selection committee screwed up and got this one right.
 
#75      

BZuppke

BZuppke
Plainfield
BZuppke
I also think his association with a winning football program is important. I've always found that alums/fans from more successful eras in Illini sports history generally tend to set the bar higher and feel it is possible to recapture the success they remember as students etc. Whitman knew what it was like to win in Ann Arbor and Columbus. He'll have more faith and determination to get us there. Not the most important factor, but a factor.