In Reply to: He would not want the UCLA job posted by Bruins#1 on January 11, 2024 at 11:26:57
I not completely sold that UCLA doesn’t have the NIL. There are plenty of wealthy alums who understand the value of a strong football (and to a lesser extent hoop) program. Here is what I see as the problem with our current circumstances.
1. We have one gorilla donor — Wasserman. When people put $$ into the program, they want some sort of control. It’s been mentioned numerous times that many big donors do not want to give to the current program. However, it falls on deaf ears because Wasserman backed Chip. I don’t know about you but I don’t donate to charities or institutions that I don’t agree with. I’m not a big giver — low 5 figures — so I don’t matter, but I certainly wouldn’t give to a chip run program. My measly donation wouldn’t move the needle regardless, but the same analysis is applicable to the 6-7 figure guys.
2. NIL doesn’t need to come just from donors. Our AD and liaisons need to speaking with car dealerships and real estate owners to get cars and housing for prospective players. Did you see Caleb’s apartment?
3. We are about to be in one of the power 2 conferences. The AD should be flush with cash. Donations that were otherwise marked for the AD will no longer be necessary. Now those amounts should be used by third party entities to procure talent.
4. Jarmond has not been proactive enough in this sphere. I thought this would be his wheelhouse. To date, he’s failed.
5. Chip has been derelict here. He needs to be more donor and people friendly with the ucla community. He needs to grovel for $$. Saban did it, Kiffin does it, Day does it, so it shouldn’t be beneath him.
I don’t think “UCLA” can be blamed here. I think Jarmond and Kelly are most at fault. It’s hard to draw the conclusion you have drawn when we only have one data point — Chip/Jarmond. I need more info to come to your conclusion.
Also to be clear, I’m not blaming Wasserman, I’m just saying he chills giving because his pockets are so deep he can overrule others. Hey, I wish I could wield so much influence. Maybe in my next life.