Here’s a handful of names to consider for the Athletic Director’s chair at Arizona State. Some have been given to me by sources on campus, others are names that I think they should consider. These names are in no particular order
Rocky Harris-Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Arizona State
I wrote two months ago that Rocky Harris is a “riser” in the industry and that at some point he would be an athletic director. Is that time now? Does he need to go “do it” on a smaller level?
Mike Alden-Athletic Director, Missouri
He has been the athletic director at Mizzou since 1998. He earned his masters degree from ASU and worked in the athletic department at Arizona State in 1985.
A sitting A.D. at a Southeastern Conference school coming to Arizona State would be a powerful hire.
Mike Haynes-elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
A former Sun Devil who doesn’t have his eye on using ASU as a stepping stone as Steve Patterson, Gene Smith and Kevin White did. He is going to be with me on Fridays show to talk about the situation.
Jeff Van Raaphorst-Sun Devil football color analyst
He went back to ASU to earn his MBA in business. He is well regarded by the “big cigars” who write the big checks to the athletic department.
Like Haynes, I don’t see Van Raaphorst as someone who would use ASU as a stepping stone. I believe he wants to be considered for this opening.
Bryan Colangelo-Former President and GM of the NBA Toronto Raptors
An “out of the box” name on this list to some people, much like when ASU hired Steve Patterson. Would he want a bigger stage than college sports? I have no question that he could lead the business side. How would he do with boosters? I know he could lead and would find the right people to put around him. I don’t know if he would even want the job, but I’ve heard his name from more than a few ASU people.
Tom Collins-Sr. Director of Major Gifts at ASU
TC is a terrific person, has been in the Athletic Director Chair (Ball State for 6 years), worked his way up the ranks at Arizona State for 17 years in two different stints. If anyone knows the ins and outs at ASU it would be Tom Collins
Greg Byrne-Director of Athletics at University of Arizona
Easily the clubhouse leader with ASU fans that I’ve heard from. A former Sun Devil who’s done a great job in Tucson. He told me on Wednesday’s show “I am a Arizona Wildcat”. I can’t see it happening.
