The Football Blitz

Tom Jurich, University of Louisville Athletic Director, is arguably one of the best if not the best athletic director in the nation. What he has done at Louisville is outstanding in regards to facilities, stadium expansions, a new arena, the move to the big east and the hiring of many incredibly talented coaches.

Jurich was hired by Louisville in October 1997 to replace Bill Olsen who retired. He had previously held the same position at Northern Arizona and Colorado State.   In 2007 he was named the Athletic Director of the Year.  This is quite an impressive accomplishment.  One of the first tasks Jurich was responsible for was the firing of head football coach Ron Cooper.  Cooper was replaced with John L. Smith.  This move set the landscape for big things to come for Louisville Football.  His second major hire was Rick Pitino, who replaced legendary coach Denny Crum.  This hire gave Jurich a lot of credibility when luring coaches.  He definitely knows how to lure the best.  In the last couple of years just about every sport at the University of Louisville has been ranked in the Top 25 with the exception of women’s soccer and football.  The same football program that won an Orange Bowl four years ago.

This brings one to the next question….Why all the silence from Jurich this football season?   Obviously, the hiring of Steve Kragthorpe has not gone as planned.  Jurich has repeatedly supported him and said he is my man.  Most assume this will be Kragthope’s last season at Louisville and the real question is when will it be announced?  Jurich most likely wants to wait until the end of the season, but one has to wonder if that is a good idea with WKU and Memphis already announcing the firing of their coaches and Notre Dame doesn’t appear to be far behind them.  It could put Louisville in a tough place for finding what fans will consider a “home run” hire if the school is competing with football schools rich in tradition.  Jurich may want to consider making his move, but anyone who knows Jurich, knows he probably already has a list and has started the process.  His silence, to most, says it all.

Below is a series of two interviews with Jurich filmed a couple of years ago.  It really puts into perspective why he is considered one of the best at what he does.  Whatever decision Jurich makes regarding Louisville football you can bet is calculated and impressive.  Remember he’s only made ONE bad hire in twelve years.