UConn A.D. hunt: Valentine hired
Oh boy.
Current Sacred Heart A.D. and former Mets and Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has been officially hired to replace Warde Manuel as the athletic director at UConn, announced at a press conference on August 19. Valentine beat out George Mason A.D. Brad Edwards and former Alabama, LSU and Michigan State head coach Nick Saban for the job.
UConn president Susan Herbst, in charge of the search, was "impressed by Mr. Valentine in his final interview, and ultimately we felt it was the right fit."
In his introductory press conference, Valentine said: "I am honored to be the new head of an athletic powerhouse.. in my home state no less. Warde left the school in great shape, and that helps make my job a bit easier. Now it's on me to help keep the level of performance at the highest we can keep it."
Valentine's hire comes with both pros and cons. Valentine has spent seven years as A.D. at in-state Sacred Heart, and calls his hometown Stamford, showing he knows the region and its people well. However, he was fired several times during his managerial career and his leadership skills have been called into question at points in his previous jobs.
Regardless, Coach Diaco and men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie have vocally supported their new boss, and "are eager to get to work", according to Coach Diaco.
It is sure to be an interesting ride.