Gophers have 'strong preference' for previous experience in AD search

The University of Minnesota's job description for its vacant athletic director post says the school has "a strong preference" for those who've "mastered the craft" of college sports leadership.

At a time when some boosters are pushing for former Gophers who've succeeded outside the college sports realm — namely Bob Stein and Pete Najarian — the wording of the recently posted job description shows nontraditional candidates could face an uphill climb.

University President Eric Kaler signaled this sentiment last month, when he named the 16-person search committee and said Turnkey would be the search firm assisting in the process for $150,000 plus expenses.

"I am open to a so-called nonconventional candidate, but they are going to need to have some pretty profound knowledge of college athletics," Kaler said that day. "… I think they need to be familiar with the NCAA structure."

Beth Goetz has served as interim AD since Norwood Teague abruptly resigned Aug. 7 amid allegations of sexually harassing two university employees. Goetz worked for 12 years as a coach and administrator at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and five years as an administrator at Butler before coming to Minnesota in 2013 as the deputy AD and senior woman administrator.

She has announced her candidacy for the permanent AD job, which Kaler has said he intends to fill by July 1.

The official job description was posted April 6 and is available on the university's website and Turnkey's site. The application and nomination deadline is April 29, though the position will remain open until filled.

They are among the potential candidates Turnkey and the search committee are expected to vet in coming weeks, along with Goetz and a host of others from the college sports realm.

Under "preferred qualifications and traits," the job description says, in part:

• "Bachelor's degree required; master's or other postgraduate degree … preferred."

• "Absolute personal and professional integrity … and track record of success in meeting all compliance standards."

• "Demonstrated experience advancing all aspects of diversity and inclusion, assuring gender equity and full compliance with Title IX."

• "A proven ability and track record to fundraise for and manage major capital projects."

• "A strong track record of identifying, recruiting, hiring, training mentoring and managing coaches."

Under "specific responsibilities," the job description also says, "The AD should be a strong, dynamic public speaker, comfortable on camera (but never seeking the limelight)."