MU hires new "associate athletic director"

[Sir Lawrence]

As much as Cords did for MU athletics, he was never a "warm and fuzzy" meet and greet kind of guy.  It seems strange to me, however, that MU would take this step without having an AD do the hiring.  From the Journal/Sentinel: 

MU hires former Packer Koonce

Marquette University has hired former Green Bay Packers linebacker George Koonce as senior associate athletic director/athletics major gifts, the school announced today.

Koonce, a nine-year NFL veteran who was part of Green Bay's 1996 Super Bowl team, most recently served as the Packers' director of player development.

In his new role at MU, Koonce will be involved in fund raising, community relations and student welfare, an area the school has sought to strengthen in recent years.

Koonce started 102 of 112 games during his eight-year tenure in Green Bay, and closed out his career with a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks.

Prior to returning to Green Bay's front office, Koonce spent two years in private business and then two more at his alma mater, East Carolina, as the special assistant to the athletic director while also pursuing his master's degree in sports management.

Koonce is currently pursuing his interdisciplinary Ph. D. at MU in sports administration.

Full article link here:  http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=623003

Photo of Koonce from his early Packers days:

[mosarsour]

If what I'm reading is true, he seems qualified.

[mu_hilltopper]

He'll probably do well squeezing money out of Packer fans.

Not so well with the Bears' fans, though.   

.. and I was surprised to see MU has a doctoral-level Sports Admin program. ? ?

[Sir Lawrence]

.. and I was surprised to see MU has a doctoral-level Sports Admin program. ? ?

"interdisciplinary doctorate" ---- which means that they find faculty from various depts. to serve as a doctoral committee.

I know the law school has that "sports law" department or center, so between it and the bus ad school they will probably cobble something together for him.

[Coobeys Oil Depot]

If what I'm reading is true, he seems qualified.

And, it wouldn't be true because?

[77ncaachamps]

Let's hope he doesn't change the university colors to navy, gold, AND GREEN.

Then, the ND Irish fans would definitely be confused!

[mviale]

Just read the article - seems like a perfect fit for MU student athletes.  This guy did it all - even completed his masters recently.

[Murffieus]

Good pickup by itself----but a GB Packer to boot----and a Packer from the glory years at that! WOW!

He should be very effective!

[77fan88warrior]

I have to think the "glory years" were under Lombardi. Glory years and 1 Super Bowl victory aren't equal.