PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In his opening remarks, new Pitt athletic director Allen Greene talked about hating losing. How he wants to win championships and said that is possible at Pitt. Now it's about getting the main ingredient to that success.
A member of the search committee, Pitt basketball coach Jeff Capel put it bluntly when asked what is the first thing he would ask the new AD for.
"NIL, we need money," Capel said bluntly.
It's not the romantic answer, but it's the number one topic in college athletics. It's why Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel thought Greene was such a good fit. Now it's up to Greene to learn more about the community and communicate to alumni and fans how vital it is to a program's success.
"I think we've heard some of our coaches talk about how important NIL is and it's not them being selfish," Greene said. "It's the reality of the world we are in today. Without having the resources to acquire talent, then you are basically putting your coaches in a (tough) spot. I want to tell the community directly from me is that NIL is going to be one of the top priorities that we have to make sure our coaches have the resources they have to compete at the national level."
It's how you do it, that is as much the question. First, they've recognized that the college landscape has changed. They can't sit back and put their feet up on the table and see what is happening. Greene said they don't want to react, but be proactive. Take calculated risks to find a way to best position themselves.
Greene says he looks back at his notes from just a couple of years ago while athletic director at the University of Buffalo and marvels at what they worried about then and what the issues are now. And the issues of right now may not be the issues of next week.
"We don't know where we are going, what may be true on a Monday is not true on a Friday," Greene said. "It's our responsibility to look around the corner sooner and further than others. It's also our responsibility to act."
"We have to understand the world changes. The world evolves. In order for us to fulfill our responsibility to our young people we have to accept it's a new world and do whatever we can to make sure they are successful in it."
Allen said nothing rocks him. He might be surprised by certain things, but he will remain steady and help the staff understand what lies ahead. It's his job to keep people focused on the big picture.
He comes in at a time when Pitt fall sports are excelling. The number one volleyball program in the nation. Men's soccer reached number one and women's soccer is coming off an NCAA appearance. As Allen put it, that helps make people feel good, but it's the 6-0 football team that will make the most impact.
"We know that football and men's basketball are going to be the drivers," Allen said. "I want to make sure that those programs are set up and built for success. Not just in the conference, but nationally."
As Capel put it, the changes in college sports are a jolt to people, not just the fans or athletes, but the people who have been in it for a while. You are used to things being a certain way, but you have to adapt. What you think is the reality today changes.
"I think the Pitt community will answer the bell when we talk to them about the importance of talent acquisition particularly through NIL," Allen said. "As this world changes, we are going to continue to educate our folks and help them buy in to our overall vision."
"Pittsburgh takes care of its own and we are confident that Pittsburgh is in support of the University of Pittsburgh and its athletic program and it will be demonstrated," said John Verbanac, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
"I don't ask for money, never have," Allen said. "I explain a vision, express a vision and let people enjoy the journey along with that vision."
He sees a vision with championship Pitt sports. He believes it's possible, that's why he's here. He's going to need a lot of financial support to make that happen.
