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Byrne to head coach search
Watson gives Byrne full reign of coach search
Brent Wilburn
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: News
Speculation was put to rest Friday when Mississippi State University Interim President Vance Watson issued a press release stating that incoming athletic director Greg Byrne, who was appointed in February and will fully assume his role on July 1, will be at the helm of the process of hiring the next head baseball coach.
"Dr. Watson knew it was a subject that needed to be addressed, and he understood that we would be here for a long time," Byrne said. "We obviously want to have a significant say in where we go with our baseball coach."
Some fans were left wondering if former university president Robert "Doc" Foglesong's departure would have an impact on the transition period between athletic directors since he chose the new AD.
"Hiring coaches is a decision of the athletic director, not the president." Watson said.
Byrne said he plans to seize the opportunity to make his first coaching hire.
"The search has already begun and we will go out and do what we think is best for Mississippi State," he said. "We will talk to people in the baseball world and consider potential candidates from all over the U.S."
Associate athletic director for media relations Mike Nemeth said it is commonplace for athletic directors to spearhead the process of hiring new coaches for athletic programs.
But the actual speculation was in reference to which athletic director would be responsible for finding the new coach.
Watson said the gradual switch between current AD Larry Templeton and Byrne is going smoothly, and it will continue to be that way until Byrne's official appointment.
"All three of us are professionals," Watson said. "I met with Greg and Larry, and they are both very understanding."
Watson also cited Templeton's current obligations to several committees as a reason not to rush the transition.
"Larry is in several roles in the conference and the country," Watson said. "He is the national chairman of the NCAA Baseball Selection Committee, and he is also on the committee that helps negotiate contracts for the SEC. There's no reason to interrupt the regular appointments he has."
"Dr. Watson knew it was a subject that needed to be addressed, and he understood that we would be here for a long time," Byrne said. "We obviously want to have a significant say in where we go with our baseball coach."
Some fans were left wondering if former university president Robert "Doc" Foglesong's departure would have an impact on the transition period between athletic directors since he chose the new AD.
"Hiring coaches is a decision of the athletic director, not the president." Watson said.
Byrne said he plans to seize the opportunity to make his first coaching hire.
"The search has already begun and we will go out and do what we think is best for Mississippi State," he said. "We will talk to people in the baseball world and consider potential candidates from all over the U.S."
Associate athletic director for media relations Mike Nemeth said it is commonplace for athletic directors to spearhead the process of hiring new coaches for athletic programs.
But the actual speculation was in reference to which athletic director would be responsible for finding the new coach.
Watson said the gradual switch between current AD Larry Templeton and Byrne is going smoothly, and it will continue to be that way until Byrne's official appointment.
"All three of us are professionals," Watson said. "I met with Greg and Larry, and they are both very understanding."
Watson also cited Templeton's current obligations to several committees as a reason not to rush the transition.
"Larry is in several roles in the conference and the country," Watson said. "He is the national chairman of the NCAA Baseball Selection Committee, and he is also on the committee that helps negotiate contracts for the SEC. There's no reason to interrupt the regular appointments he has."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Student and Fan
posted 4/09/08 @ 12:20 PM CST
I hope Mr. Byrne will accept Coach Polk's advice to hire Tommy Raffo as our new head coach. Raffo has an intimate knowledge of the program here, which does not mean he will not make changes, and has the support of the players. (Continued…)
Trinity
posted 4/10/08 @ 7:01 PM CST
Doc has created such a mess with the University, we have to decide which AD to let hire a baseball coach? There will be more inept decisions because doc's right hand man, Mike Mcgreevey is still here and still has a lot of power. (Continued…)
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