More candidates for Georgia’s AD job, and a strong endorsement for McGarity
If you missed it, here’s my story from late yesterday on 49 people applying for the UGA athletic director job, including, to name a few, Florida executive associate AD Greg McGarity, long-time NFL exec Jim Steeg and Troy athletic director (and former UGA football player and assistant coach) Steve Dennis.
Now, digging deeper into almost 500 pages of correspondence between UGA and the AD applicants, obtained by the AJC under the Open Records Act, here’s more:
- Among the applicants: Mark Parkman, who was a student assistant in the sports information department while attending UGA in the 1980s and has gone on to a varied career in sports business. He now is an executive with the International Olympic Committee’s broadcasting subsidiary. He lives in Atlanta.
- And another: Jay Rossello, who is director of legal affairs and assistant general counsel for the NCAA. In a cover letter sent with his resume, Rossello notes that he spent several summers of his youth in Athens “training and playing tennis under the tutelage of fellow Puerto Rican, current UGA men’s tennis coach and one of the all-time greats in the sport, Manuel Diaz.”
- In a hearty endorsement of McGarity for the job, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., wrote to UGA President Michael Adams:
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend William Gregory McGarity (”Greg”) to the position of Athletic Director at the University of Georgia. I have known Greg since childhood, as he and I went to school together in Athens.
First and foremost, although he has spent the last 18 years at the University of Florida, Greg is indeed a bulldog. From 1973-1992, Greg worked his way up from a student assistant to the facilities and event management for the UGA Athletic Association. . . . Unfortunately for the Dawgs, the University of Florida recognized his talent and hard work ethic and he was off to Gainesville in the summer of 1992.
Greg has excelled at UF during his time there. As much as you and I hate to admit it, Florida is an athletic powerhouse. I believe Greg has a lot to do with the teams’ success. . . .
. . . Greg’s 37 years of work at two of the strongest athletic associations in the country make him the best candidate for the AD job. He has learned what it takes to run the entire department; whether it be managing events, searching for coaches, scheduling, or managing the budget, he knows and has executed it all. He is ready to get back to his hometown and to serve his alma mater in this distinguished position. I hope you will give him the fullest consideration possible.
- Like McGarity, Mark Lewis is a candidate for the job for the second time. Lewis and McGarity were among five candidates interviewed before Damon Evans was hired in 2003. Lewis has business and law degrees from UGA, where he played football. He has had a distinguished career in sports business, heading General Electric’s Olympic sponsorship programs before his current position as president of Jet Set Sports (a provider of Olympic hospitality packages). He is the son of Bill Lewis, the former Georgia Tech head football coach and former UGA assistant football coach.
The search committee recently received an e-mail endorsing Lewis’ candidacy, to which UGA swim coach Jack Bauerle, a committee member, replied: “I have known Mark for a long time and he is a very good candidate and even a better person.”
- Many of the 49 applications are from people with no discernible experience in sports management. Among the professions represented: lawyer, chief financial officer, sales manager, educational specialist, professor, conference center director, investment advisor, supply chain executive, general contractor and city administrator.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
58 comments Add your comment
JB
August 6th, 2010
10:38 am
If he could bring some Florida mojo and Win ethic to Athens, what are we waiting for?
Monticello Dawg
August 6th, 2010
10:41 am
Some great choices to pick an AD from. You would expect a strong list for one of the premiere college sports jobs available. Hope the pick is made as objectively as possible.
sogadog
August 6th, 2010
10:43 am
It is a no brainer; HIRE GREG MCGARITY NOW!
donald johnson
August 6th, 2010
10:45 am
Greg Mc Garity has an excellant history as both a Ga. Dawg and a Gator. he should be given the position based on his wealth of experience.
I have forgiven Tim Teebow for being a Gator and we should do the same for Greg.
The D
August 6th, 2010
10:45 am
Adams better hire Mcgarity. I sure hope he doesn’t screw this up, he is the perfect fit, and this is the right time for him to come home
How2fish
August 6th, 2010
10:54 am
Greg Mc Garity seems to be the best fit but Mark Lewis will get a hard look see to I think.
SKB
August 6th, 2010
11:00 am
Adams will probably hire another drunken clown..
GeoffDawg
August 6th, 2010
11:00 am
May the prodigal son come home (McGarity that is).
Ben There
August 6th, 2010
11:04 am
There would be no “on the job training” needed for Greg McGarity. Hire him NOW!
Rob in Chapel Hill
August 6th, 2010
11:09 am
Mr. Tucker, Can you address how the paper was able to get this info under Open Records. Not protected, as a personnel matter? I’m usually all for getting out such info to the public, but I’m wondering it this actually goes too far? Just strikes me as a bit unfair, at least at this point in the process. Having said that, I’d have to join those who like McGarity. Seems like an incredibly strong choice. Thanks
DawginOH
August 6th, 2010
11:09 am
McGarity has the experience, qualities and potential to be an amazing AD. Being an Athens native and graduate of UGA, he will go above and beyond for our university. Hire him now, Adams!!
PRODUCE WIZ
August 6th, 2010
11:22 am
not trying to be of assistance to the school up North,McGarity has trained under the best athletic director in america,Jeremy Foley.Deserves his chance in life and fullfillment of his dream to come back to the Dawgs. Go gators
Scott "Phillip" Wallace
August 6th, 2010
11:38 am
Why in GODS NAME are the pathetic fleabags even ranked?
They are lousy… 30 years of hype… ZERO national championships.
JaxDawg
August 6th, 2010
11:39 am
There is only one choice imo, Greg McGarity. Perfect fit for the job. Present him with an appropriate package now. Time kills deals – don’t let that happen now.
I would also like to comment on Jay Rossello. Not only is his employment as an attorney with the liberal/facist NCAA enough to strike his name from the list, having the gaul to play the race card as a “fellow Puerto RIcan” is bush league. To think that race should play into this discussion or would otherwise give him an “edge” is an insult to the well-qualified non-Puerto Ricans and reeks of the typical arrogance of the politically correct NCAA.
superDawg
August 6th, 2010
11:56 am
Ola Greg WELCOME BACK to the Dawg nation.
Schmeckdawg
August 6th, 2010
11:56 am
McGarity is definitely the choice. The problem is, is aDAMsorry dawg going to keep kissing don leeburn’s sorry A$$ and let him tell him who to pick!!!!!
David Green Sells Avon Products
August 6th, 2010
12:33 pm
Mine eyes have seen the glory
Of the N.C. Double-A
They’re investigating G.A. players
To see how much they’re paid
After counting all the cars
And the loans Alumni made,
They out pay the NBA.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
August 6th, 2010
12:36 pm
McGarity. Hire him and be set with a quality AD for years.
HELIX
August 6th, 2010
12:40 pm
Time is of the essence….Hire McGarity while he is available.The Dawgs
need the kind of leadership he can provide. Die hards forget the Florida
connection…just do it!
SSIgator
August 6th, 2010
1:14 pm
“Jay Rossello, who is director of legal affairs and assistant general counsel for the NCAA.”
Wow. Would this not be a perfect fit for UGA?
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | theSPORTSpage Arkansas
August 6th, 2010
1:28 pm
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | GameDay Weekly
August 6th, 2010
1:37 pm
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
Danny Ford
August 6th, 2010
1:42 pm
Dang …..Im available and I’ll see to it that there are no midget youngsters on the football team.
TampaGator
August 6th, 2010
1:45 pm
If Georgia does not hire Greg McGarity….they are missing out on a great opportunity….he is great. I hope they don’t however. It would be a big loss for the Gators in the administration realm. He is a great people person as well. But there are some good people applying. But Georgia will not have issues with Mr. McGarity. He has worked for and learned from the best AD in the country.
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | Rebel Country Online
August 6th, 2010
1:57 pm
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
PSJDawg
August 6th, 2010
2:00 pm
Congressional endorsement aside, McGarity seems to be the perfect fit. As much as I hate to admit it, UF has had an outstanding athletics department. Foley seems to have run a pretty tight ship down in Gainsville, as the Gators do seem to have teams highly ranked in both men’s and women’s athletics year in and year out. McGarity’s experience has to correspond with Adams’ job requirements.
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | SportsXXL
August 6th, 2010
2:20 pm
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
DKDAWG
August 6th, 2010
2:22 pm
I don’t think Adams makes any personnel decision without first figuring
out how his decision would impact his all-important affirmitive action agenda
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | Hog Country Online
August 6th, 2010
2:49 pm
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
Bulldog for Life
August 6th, 2010
3:05 pm
Hey if they wait until Oct. I will be out of jail and I’ll take the dang job..
Vince Lombardi
August 6th, 2010
3:16 pm
Gotta love that “Fountainebleau Miami Beach” advertisment on the right side. Are you trying to tell us something Tim??
davsag8r
August 6th, 2010
4:25 pm
If Adams doesn’t hire McGarity he should be run out of Athens in only red panties.
Go Gators
shane#1
August 6th, 2010
4:33 pm
Tampa Gator, there may be some problems with McGarity from Adams’ perspective. 1- He man be too much his own man, which would be good for the University, but may not suit Adams. 2- Adams may consider McGarity too connected to the Dooley years and may want someone from outside the fold. McGarity would be a great hire so we will see if Adams steps up his game or remains an egotistical, manipulative jerk.
AltamahaDawg
August 6th, 2010
4:48 pm
How ironic that Dooley couldn’t convince him to come back to Athens and work for him, But Adams might hire him despite everyone saying he wouldn’t because he was too loyal to Dooley.
AltamahaDawg
August 6th, 2010
4:56 pm
One thing I think we don’t have to worry about based on his career choices, is that McGarity is too much his own man. Plus since when does an administrastive staff member NOT need to act subordinate to his boss? I doubt Foley goes around telling his boss how its going to be either.
Cojones
August 6th, 2010
4:58 pm
I would like to formally apply here for the AD job at UGA since I’m the only one with cojones for the job. I’m expecting a letter of recommendation momentarily from a man who held that position for 6yrs. Thankya very much.
Cojones
August 6th, 2010
5:20 pm
Further qualifications: 1. I am the epitome of the word “cojones”.
2. I already have property in Costa Rico
3. I like flowers; therefore, I like flower gardeners; therefore, I liked Vince
before Adams arrived.
4. For $550,000 I will kiss Adam’s butt in front of the Bd. of Regents.
5. Newt Gingrich’s last wife has hinted that she would recommend me.
Did I cover all the necessary power bases in my application?
Tiger Woods
August 6th, 2010
5:42 pm
Based on the history of UGA a think I am perfect for the job!!
Pago Pago Dawg
August 6th, 2010
5:48 pm
Come on people, I think we all know that the next hire had better be a woman…and she already is working there. Case closed.
VinceD
August 6th, 2010
6:28 pm
If I come back and take the job, can I have Damon Evans’ leftover booze and bimbos?
VinceD
August 6th, 2010
6:30 pm
I forgot to mention that I’ll supply my own red panties if that’s a deal breaker.
Charles Barkley
August 6th, 2010
7:41 pm
Georgia has a history of hiring ex-Auburn players and coaches. How about me?
Jeremy Foley
August 6th, 2010
7:43 pm
I have blue and orange panties. Of course, they aren’t for my wife or girlfriends… they’re for me because they make me feel so pretty!
college is forever
August 6th, 2010
7:45 pm
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com I got five bucks that says Adams will hire someone we have never heard just so he can protect his fragile ego. Are you or someone you know involved in a non-profit orgainization? Are you looking for a fundraiser? We can help, go to our website to find our contact information. Go Dawgs!!!
Kris G
August 7th, 2010
2:50 am
I want to hire McGarity too, but let’s just dump this quasi racist affirmative action talk. We all know Adams is a giant weasel. That’s reason enough for him to pick someone other than the best candidate without pulling the race card; the idea that the candidate must be white and male or else it’s rigged is silly and counterproductive. Evans actually did a great job until last month. Plus we already know it’s rigged. Frankly, it’s rigged even with GOOD presidents, let alone this arrogant bozo. My only concern about McGarity is that I’m worried he’ll make the schedule soft, with less traveling. I really liked that Red Panties got us out of the southeast every now and then.
Lunchtime links: Fast transition for Reed | NowSportsLive
August 7th, 2010
10:18 am
[...] Florida executive associate athletic director Greg McGarity gets a strong endorsement for the Georgia job. [...]
Kurt
August 7th, 2010
5:44 pm
Greg McGarity would be an awful choice. Georgia may actually hold their coaches accountable and start winning. I want UGA to hire anyone “but” Greg McGarity.
Warmest regards,
Urban and Jeremy
G LADY FOR UGA AD
August 7th, 2010
10:47 pm
The G Lady should be the Athletic Director at Georgia. Join Her facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=49681757092&ref=ts
Thanks for your support!
Smiling Jack
August 7th, 2010
11:18 pm
Cojones…you’re just to much cojones! How funny! With such qualities, do you think the Gators ever worried about Greg McGarity being a Bulldawg???? I think not! He apparently is a man of character and integrity. Hope he gets the job.
RED DOG 77
August 8th, 2010
1:18 am
I’m with JB, I couldn’t agree more !
Diehard
August 8th, 2010
8:39 am
There are better choices than McGarity and he’s a choice for Georgia’s past, not its future.
Cojones
August 8th, 2010
2:14 pm
Smiling Jack- Here’s back atcha! Bet not many bloggers recognize your name from the Golden Oldie Comic Strips, but I read it voraciously in my youth.
You noticed of course that I skipped penis size. When you are an old fart, the cojones take over (ex: old bull in the pasture) and drag your other parts inward. When filling out applications we prefer to defer so that you can infer when you refer to parts. Besides, it’s small.
Gator Guy
August 9th, 2010
7:44 am
Vince Lombardi – The adds are based on what is your cache and search history ( think) . They are different for everyone. Are YOU trying to tell us something?
bubba
August 9th, 2010
10:01 am
Bring in Obama. he the best at veverything
Dawgs97
August 9th, 2010
11:39 am
We’ve finally found something the majority of Dawg & Gator fans can agree on: Greg McGarity would be a great hire. And yes, count me as another Dawg who as much as I may hate the Gators, Jeremy Foley has been a stellar AD for Florida and done a great job. The fact that McGarity has spent 18 years learning under Foley is only a good thing. I don’t care if McGarity had done that in Gainesville, Knoxville, or Auburn. He’s qualified, he’s a Georgia guy, and he wants the job.
Michael Adams needs to do the right thing and hire McGarity.
Regarding Damon Evans, he embarrassed the University this year and it was unforgiveable. I am glad he got canned. You simply can’t get away with stupid things like that in a high profile AD job at a school like Georgia.
But it should be remembered that up until, he was one fo the best ADs in the country in terms of job performance. Only Texas made more $$ in its athletic department and Evans was responsible for bringing in Mark Fox to coach the hoops team, which has been a fantastic hire. He deserves a lot of credit for taking the athletic department into the 21st century (something that couldn’t have happened under the aging Dooley) & it would seem that Greg McGarity is an ideal choice to keep the good things Evans did, going, and add in what he learned under Foley in Gainesville.
Nelson Thomas
August 9th, 2010
4:10 pm
I would love to see Greg McGarity get the job of AD. I was at school at UGA during the same time as Greg and got to know him a little bit. He was a Bulldog and play Basketball there. He was a good hardworking student, and I have no doubt he has continued to be a good person and worker. It would be great to have him ‘back in the fold’ of Bulldogs. It would be nice to see Adams do something good for a change.
Pago Pago Dawg
August 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
For the love of God…UGA doesn’t need a female ad (or president)!
The Spartans had both. Saban asked for a raise…the girls wanted new curtains….he left. As they say on the radio….”the rest is history”!
keith contarino
August 11th, 2010
1:31 pm
I’m getting more than a little tired of hearing what a great job Damon Evans was doing. You can’t measure success just by $$. Like Michael Adams, Evans excelled at taking credit for things he had nothing to do with like women’s gymnastics, tennis, golf, swimming, women’s BB etc..The men’s BB team has been a disaster. After last FB season, Evans had the kind of chance every AD dreams of when he went to hire a new Defensive Co-ordinator. What did he do? He was publicly rebuked and embarrassed the University 3 times before getting an NFL retread (Who I hope will do a great job). No one can tell me Brian Van Gorter could not have been hired if given a head coach in waiting like Texas did. Kirby Smart is a Georgia guy who likewise would love to come home but after watching Mr. Evans fire every employee Coach Dooley had, even the ticket manager, why would anyone want to work for him?
Let’s hope Adams uncharacteristically does something smart and puts his ego somewhere else