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Wisconsin great Frank Kaminsky reacts to Chris McIntosh's departure
TL;DR
Frank Kaminsky praised the Wisconsin athletic director position following Chris McIntosh's departure to the Big Ten office, calling it one of the best in the nation. He emphasized the strength of various sports programs at Wisconsin that make the role highly desirable.
Wisconsin great Frank Kaminsky has chimed in on Badgers athletic director Chris McIntosh leaving for a position within the Big Ten office.
The Wisconsin basketball great commented during a radio appearance with ESPN Milwaukee and former Badgers teammate Ben Brust. To start, Kaminsky argues that this new opening should be among the best in the nation.
"I can't imagine there's a better [athletic director job] open right now than Wisconsin," Kaminsky began. "You're not even talking about football and basketball being as good as they've been for a long time. You're talking about hockey, you're talking about volleyball...and all these other sports that are fantastic programs that have been built up through the UW system. Any big-time name that is out there, who is not going to want their chance at this position?"'
The major question may not revolve around the attractiveness of the job, but rather who is tasked with making the hire. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is leaving her role for a new position at Columbia, effective July 1. As of now, it appears that interim chancellor Eric Wilcots will lead the search.
Wisconsin's candidate pool will be interesting to monitor over the coming weeks and months. Wisconsin has a history of athletic directors with significant ties to the university, from Pat Richter (1989-2004), to Barry Alvarez (2004-2021), to McIntosh (2021-2026). All roads should lead toward that tradition continuing with the new hire.
Kaminsky did follow up on that lineage, as he thinks the latest regime made a mistake in distancing itself from Alvarez in recent years.
"In some ways [this change] could be really good, because you get new life into the athletic department, and I think that's what we've needed," Kaminsky continued. "I'm the biggest Barry Alvarez fan in the world. I've always loved that guy and will always have respect for him. The thing that frustrated me about the people who took over after him was that they kind of distanced themselves from [Alvarez]. And Barry was the guy who revived UW Athletics in a lot of ways. I don't want to say they totally distanced themselves from Barry, and at some point, you have to let the athletic department do their job when they take over. But I'd always have him involved moving forward."
Wisconsin named football general manager Marcus Sedberry its interim athletic director during the transition. The school's decision on its full-time hire will be critical, especially with both the football and basketball programs facing crossroads in the new NIL-centric landscape.
Kaminsky, for one, thinks Alvarez should have a significant influence on the department moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball Frank Kaminsky comment Chris McIntosh change
Q&A
Why did Chris McIntosh leave his position as Wisconsin athletic director?
Chris McIntosh left to take a position within the Big Ten office.
Who will lead the search for the new Wisconsin athletic director?
Interim chancellor Eric Wilcots is expected to lead the search for the new athletic director.
What makes the Wisconsin athletic director job attractive according to Frank Kaminsky?
Frank Kaminsky believes the job is attractive due to the strong performance of various sports programs, including football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball.
