Football a priority for new director

Watching him talk to players and occasionally suggest to referees he might not agree with a call at IU football games, it’s safe to call outgoing IU Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan a football guy.

So players and coaches might be concerned whether Greenspan’s replacement, Fred Glass, will bring the same passion to a program going through transition.

“Tell them I am a football fan,” Glass said after the press conference announcing his appointment.

During his tenure at IU, Greenspan hired former coach Terry Hoeppner, who the University’s athletics department credits with rejuvenating “an IU fan base that contributed to a 39 percent increase in per game attendance, a 46 percent increase in overall season ticket sales and a 110 percent increase in student season-ticket sales,” according to Greenspan’s biography on IUHoosiers.com.

Greenspan also approved a multi-million dollar sports facilities renovation, which included the North End Zone Project at Memorial Stadium. The facility upgrade aims to offer more seats at the stadium and provide a 24,000-square-foot strength-and-conditioning center for the team and other IU student-athletes.

“We had great growth under Rick, and when every day we go out there and see that new stadium, you see it,” IU football coach Bill Lynch said at the press conference. “But I look forward to working with Fred as we move forward and continue with the goals we have set.”

Lynch served as an assistant coach under Hoeppner, and Greenspan named him head coach upon Hoeppner’s passing. In Lynch’s first full season at the helm, the Hoosiers reached their first bowl game since 1993.

“I really just want to support Coach Lynch and what he needs to be successful,” Glass said. “I have a great deal of respect for him. I don’t look to usurp his role on X’s and O’s, or dealing with the team. I just want to be helpful to give him the tools he needs to succeed.”

Glass, a two-degree alumnus of IU, doesn’t have any experience as an athletics director, or any direct experience governing a football program. But Glass does have a wealth of knowledge related to facilities management, an issue relevant to the program as the North End Zone Project progresses.

For a number of years, Glass was president of the Marion County Capital Improvement Board of Managers. As president, he was responsible for the operation of the Indiana Convention Center, RCA Dome, Conseco Fieldhouse and Victory Field. He also was instrumental in the effort to build Lucas Oil Stadium.

Also in Glass’ background is a relationship with Lynch through common friends, as both have spent significant portions of their lives in Indianapolis, Glass said.

The two met briefly Tuesday morning before the press conference, enough time for Lynch to get a sense of his new boss.

“I’m really impressed with not only his background but also his passion for IU,” Lynch said. “And I think that’s really important. I think he has great experience in leadership and management, and you can tell he is excited to be here.”