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As you're likely aware by this point, the Syracuse Orange "No Huddle Tour" kicked off yesterday, with Dino Babers and Jim Boeheim front-and-center. Speaking with fans and media in Buffalo and Rochester, the coaches dug into some topics quite a it, while just touching on others.
When it came to Syracuse's current athletic director situation, Boeheim was not one to avoid the topic or general line of questioning. The quotes, which Syracuse.com's Stephen Bailey captured via Twitter:
Jim Boeheim on losing AD Mark Coyle: "I don't think it's a setback. ... I don't think he really had a chance to make much of an impact."
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
The above's certainly a sentiment we've come around to as a group by this point. I said as much to SB Nation's Minnesota blog, The Daily Gopher, yesterday.
Boeheim said he enjoyed working with Coyle. "I was impressed with everything he did." But athletic dept was in great position already.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
Boeheim said losing a head coach at this juncture would be more troublesome than AD.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
Jim Boeheim asked about "New York's College team." Said he doesn't buy the mantra for Syracuse. Upstate NY, yes.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
/Jim doesn't realize he's created a horcrux by killing DOCTOR Gross with that statement. That's at least four for him now, for those keeping score at home.
Boeheim chuckles when asked about Mike Brey's endorsement for AD. Said he's OK at the one job he has. Trusts SU will make good hire.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
A quick divergence to Babers shows us the same exact response you'd expect at this point. Stone cold.
Dino Babers doesn't say much when asked about Coyle's departure for Minnesota. Not nervous after having relies on college kids his career.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 17, 2016
The topic was later broached again in Rochester:
Jim Boeheim on AD opening: "We'll get a great candidate in there, someone who will keep us moving in the right direction."
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 18, 2016
Jim Boeheim said he wants an AD who understands P-5 athletics and what coaches need. Doesn't need to be an SU alum; just someone who cares.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 18, 2016
Jim Boeheim said he thinks a Syracuse local or alum could definitely fit that bill, though
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) May 18, 2016
Notice how he said local OR alum. #John44SUAD IS STILL ALIVE.
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Nothing shocking here, clearly. But it's always good to give Jim a mic when you want to change the subject around the university's athletic program. While he won't be consulted on the hire (hasn't been for the last two either), Jim's still an important and very visible alum (and employee of the school, obviously). One would assume his comments come with a little weight.
In any case, further proof that this sort of thing happens far too infrequently, and we'd all happily endorse a regularly occurring tour with Boeheim and Babers. Make it happens, SUA... once you get done with that other important stuff, of course.