Another Grad Says No to the Notre Dame AD Job

During yesterday's announcement of Notre Dame extending their contract with NBC to televise their home football games, President John Jenkins briefly discussed the current search for their new athletic director:

"I think what's most important is that the athletic director understands Notre Dame football," Jenkins said. "Understands what it's about, and is able to carry that tradition forward. That's what I believe NBC is interested in. So, if the athletic director can do that, I think the relationship with NBC will take care of itself. It has for nearly 20 years. I think it will for 25 and beyond."

With that said, Minnesota AD and Notre Dame graduate Joel Maturi bowed out saying, "I'm happy at Minnesota and I'm staying here". That is now two Irish graduates that said Thanks, but No Thanks to their Alma Mater. I don't foresee this happening a third time.

According to Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, he speculates by saying,

"That alone isn't much of a shocker, but the important part is this: If Maturi was contacted, it stands to reason that other prospective candidates -- SMU's Steve Orsini, Tulsa's Bubba Cunningham, MAC commissioner Rick Chryst -- have received calls as well.

That said, search firms typically cast a wide net to create a large pool of prospects. It certainly doesn't mean the process is remotely close to conclusion, or even at full-bore."

With that said, look for Orsini to be top billing and get the nod as the Irish AD.