Official Release...

[dawgstudent]

"Greg Byrne has informed me that he will leave Mississippi State to
accept the athletic director's job at the University of Arizona. A
Wednesday press conference has been scheduled in Tucson to make that
announcement. Personally, I am saddened by this news because of the
deep affection that Rhonda and I have for Greg and Regina. I am
professionally disappointed because of my respect and appreciation for
the outstanding job he has done here.

I made every effort to convince Greg to remain in Starkville, including
offering a generous package of financial incentives, but as he
conveyed to me, his decision was driven by family considerations more
than financial compensation. They have an opportunity to be in a place
where they have roots and deep connections.

I cannot say enough about what Greg has meant to our athletic program.
I began working with Greg even before assuming the presidency at MSU,
during the search for a new football coach, and our relationship has
always been a close one. The strong foundation he laid has created
tremendous momentum and excitement and given MSU fans much to cheer
about, with the promise of greater things on the horizon.

I am committed to building on that foundation by hiring an energetic
and visionary leader to keep the momentum going. I am confident we
will find that highly motivated, enthusiastic individual to lead our
great Mississippi State University athletic program. The national
search will begin immediately."

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

I hate to see him go but I am glad for his time and work. He has set a new bar for a proactive AD at MSU. Hopefully the next guy will see what CAN happen at MSU when you are aggressive and work towards ALL fans, not just a select few.

 

[paindonthurt_]

Man i'm depressed.

 

[Xenomorph]

.....because the first charge (and by far the greatest measuring stick) of any university president is to hire a competent AD.

 

[coach66]

go but wish him the best. Greg has done a great job and has set a standard that I hope his successors can live up to.

 

[El Diablo Blanco]

x

 

[Beretta.sixpack]

meaning, firing a guy with 3 years on contract and a handshake agreement with the previous AD, and stand up to Polk. That takes balls that I don't think Stricklin has.....

 

[LR1400]

meaning, firing a guy with 3 years on contract and a handshake agreement with the previous AD, and stand up to Polk. That takes balls that I don't think Stricklin has.....

I think you are 100% wrong. Stricklin has the balls to do that. No doubt.

 

[JimHalpert.nafoom]

Kyle Veazey and his negative reporting.

ARE YOU HAPPY NOW, KYLE!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[paindonthurt_]

Is it at the top or bottom of the priority list? Depends on how you look at it.

It is most definitely his job though.