Purdue introduced former Georgia Tech and Xavier A.D. Mike Bobinski as its next athletic director Tuesday morning.
GoldandBlack.com will have much more to come throughout the day, but here are some quick notes and takeaways from his 35-minute introductory press conference, during with he was flanked by university president Mitch Daniels and Board of Trustees and search-committee chair Mike Berghoff.
• Bobinski sees potential in Purdue, a situation he calls "unique" because of its "stable leadership" and "well-managed" athletic department.
"But I believe it's sort of in the starting blocks, positioned in a way to really take off and to have great things happen in the years ahead," Bobinski said. "And for me, being able to have an impact, to be able to move things forward, that's what gets me up in the morning. I'm not a status-quo guy, I'm not a stand-still guy. I like to make things happen. I like to make an impact and I think this situation is just right for that. There's lots of good that's here and lots of good that's coming. I think there's a chance to really ratchet things up in a really positive way. That's what made me really excited about it from the very first conversation."
• Asked about Purdue's football program, Bobinski said he'd take a thorough approach to his evaluations once he's settled into the job. It's no secret that some of his most pressing matters at Purdue will be taking steps toward turning football around, including evaluating Coach Darrell Hazell, and driving attendance and John Purdue Club engagement.
• Bobinski and those who hired him see common ground between Purdue and his past post at Georgia Tech, in part because of academic reputations, but also their standing in their respective marketplaces. Bobinski joked about "fighting every day" to draw attention to Tech in a city where a lot's going on, both with pro sports as well as the University of Georgia being such a prominent brand in that state. Purdue does face similar considerations on a number of fronts, so that experience could serve him well.
• Bobinski doesn't yet know when he'll assume his position full-time, but will take some time to gain closure at Georgia Tech, then - he hopes - get to Purdue in time for the start of the football season.
There will likely be some overlap between Bobinski and outgoing A.D. Morgan Burke, Daniels said. It is expected that Burke will remain with the university in some capacity through the end of his contract in 2017, perhaps in a teaching role in the Krannert School of Management.
• Bobinski's introduction came with the obligatory nod toward unifying a sometimes angst-ridden fan base.
"Being successful at this level, it requires an all-in commitment," he said. "There are no pretenders in the Big Ten, at this level, at the Power Five level. You've got to have a top-to-bottom, side-by-side, all-in commitment. As we look ahead, I certainly feel that from the leadership at Purdue, but I would ask the Purdue family - the extended Purdue family - to stay together, get involved and stay supportive. We need everybody. We can't do this ourselves in athletics. We need everyone with us."
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