BREAKING: Texas Hires TCU AD Chris Del Conte

[Daniel Seahorn]

The University of Texas appears to have found their new Athletic Director in TCU’s Chris Del Conte, as reported first by Kirk Bohls of the Austin American Statesman.  Del Conte has spent the last eight years as the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at TCU, where he oversaw $300 million worth of donor-funded renovations to the program’s football and basketball facilities.  He was also responsible for negotiating the school’s entry into the Big 12 Conference.  In its opening five years of Big 12 play, the Horned Frogs have captured conference championships in football, baseball and men’s tennis.

 

[TexCoyote]

Grand Slam Home Run 

 

[MikeV73]

Big hire!

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

I know everyone has their opinions of him, but props to our own @Randolph Duke for saying a couple weeks back that the hire was coming. 

 

[Oldmanastro]

Can he bring some recruits with him?

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Couldn't have made a better hire.  He's a hell of a fundraiser and he's personable and a down to earth guy that really understands the business and how to get things done.

Expect the basketball arena project to get cranked up pretty quick.

 

[hornag]

I truly hope that the information about Del Conte taking control and oversight over both men's and women's athletics is accurate.  Longhorn Nation can only hope this is accurate.

 

[java]

That is absolutely awesome!  Welcome to the 40, Chris.

He is so well-respected, and he well-positioned TCU.  Thank goodness they learned from their mistake with Patterson.  It is obvious that he supports coaches and maintains good relationships with alumni, while maintaining and upgrading facilities.

btw, I'm thrilled, if you can't tell.  

 

[shotime73]

Holyyyy S'''t I'm extremely happy

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Grand Slam Home Run 

Might be a "walk-off" Grand Slam Home Run!

 

[Huskie1]

I'm stunned they could get that done. Props to my school for a superb hire. I stoked!!

 

[Tomhermansboy]

Great hire!!! Looks like we are finally getting it right. We are solid in EVERY coaching position now (all sports) and they will be led by a great AD. Great things ahead in ALL sports. Thank you Mike for holding it down and making needed changes along the way. I am thrilled that we now appear to be the 1st class organization that we all expect us to be. 

 

[Dude65]

Did everybody get scooped on this?

Never seen it coming nor did I see any reports hinting @ it. X

 

[Dude65]

I know everyone has their opinions of him, but props to our own @Randolph Duke for saying a couple weeks back that the hire was coming. 

Musta missed that lowball

 

[Danny Hale]

the basketball arena needs to be designed so that about 8-10,000 seats are in a lower bowl that helps amplify the sound similar to what VCU and some smaller schools have.  the upper level above suites should only be used when attendance demands. Texas needs to create a true home court from about 9000 loyal fans yet have bigger arena for some games that will draw more and for other activities

 

[Baron]

Did everybody get scooped on this?

Never seen it coming nor did I see any reports hinting @ it. X

I had read a few months back where Del Conte would be the target of the AD search, but I can't remember where I read that. That being said this is a great hire. He's great with boosters, knows how to oversee any athletic expansion project and is well versed in the political climate of sports in the state of Texas. Home run.

 

[83Dee]

TCU was much better than us last year in:

Football / Men’s basketball / Baseball

Based on that alone I say, Bravo!

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Tom herman’s statement on the hiring of Chris Del Conte:


“First and foremost, I want to thank Mike Perrin for all he’s done for me, my family, our football program and Texas Athletics. He has been tremendous to work for and personally, unbelievably supportive. I’m very grateful for my time with him.
 
“I knew when a new athletics director took over that Greg Fenves would make a terrific hire, and he certainly did. I’m absolutely thrilled that Chris Del Conte will be leading our Athletics Department. I’ve known him for several years, worked with him during my time at Rice and have continued to admire his work from afar for a long time. He’s a smart and creative leader who has a great passion for student-athletes and college sports. On top of that, he’s an engaging, energetic and fun person to be around and work with. We’re definitely in good hands, and I’m looking forward to a bright future with Chris leading the way.”


 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

Musta missed that lowball

Got buried in the 5 thoughts thread after the Tech game.