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Gretchen Bataille was disastrous, and V. Lane Rawlins came to the rescue (having previously been president of Washington State and Memphis) and got us back on track, but he said from the beginning he would not stick around very long. Smatresk had been President of UNLV for 4 years and had previously served as an administrator at UTA. I thought from the beginning Smatresk was a steal. Smatresk proved himself to be effective and is stepping down at just the right time. I think we need the expertise that Keller brings to the position and I am optimistic that he will prove to be a great hire.

They were once at the top of the list. You could also apply this to educational facilities, as being not as important. Cost of tuition and NIL payments is more important and is proven by the lack of funds raised for our new AD building. NIL contribution will become even more important once it is tax deductible.

Facilities do matter. All the glitz of a payday will eventually wear off, as NIL donations will fade and most players won't get a huge payday. There are thousands of football players out there that mostly want opportunity to play at the college level. The higher the level the better, and we are a pretty high level on the food chain even though it doesn't feel like it. The great equalizer is still a scholarship and playing time. Each FBS still has a limit of 85 scholarships and only 22 starters. You won't get many wanting to go to Houston as a walk on, and pay their on way, to sit on a bench 3 years to maybe get a scholarship and play as a senior.

I’m using the communal “we” in our folks rationalizing a very underwhelming, under-qualified hire at the time. I didn’t like that hire either and he was more disappointing than I’d even originally thought by the end of his tenure having focused all his energy on the useless UNT Dallas project - something I still loathe. This new guy may be great. Just cautioning those expecting stroke in Austin. I’ll believe that when I see it. Would be great for UNT though.

I was lamenting this whilest drinking some coffee this morning. We made such huge strides that differentiated us from the pack when we the practice facility. And for what? Only to be sideswiped by stupid NIL? I just think nowadays players would play on a high school field if you threw them some greenbacks. Hope I am wrong!