COLUMN: New Big East boss set up for success
By Bob Hertzel
For the Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN — First of all, let me admit that I am envious of John Marinatto, but before I tell you why, perhaps it is best to inform you who John Marinatto is.
Marinatto is the new commissioner of the Big East Conference, replacing Mike Tranghese, who held the job for 19 years. Marinatto spent the last few years as associate commissioner, which it turns out is a fancy title for commissioner-in-waiting.
As commissioners go, there is none better to understudy, for say what you will about Tranghese’s inability to foresee the ACC’s raid upon his football conference, he captained his ship through those turbulent waters and it came out the better for it.
He secured the league’s BCS status in football, expanded the conference as far west as Milwaukee and Chicago, kept a presence in Florida and added a pair of sizable television markets in Cincinnati and Louisville.
At the same time, he used the opportunity to mold the biggest, toughest basketball conference this little corner of the world has ever seen.
And while he did all this, Marinatto was at his side, studying up close and personal, becoming the chief operating officer of the Big East, which meant that he oversaw all governance and operational matters.
When Tranghese, as white knuckle an airplane passenger as is television’s John Madden, decided he was ready to leave the conference he had been with since its inception, a search committee was formed and a national search conducted.
Funny thing about these national searches, seems the wider they range, the closer they stay to home (See West Virginia University replaces Rich Rodriguez). Unanimously — or anonymously, as one reporter covering the announcement press conference would embarrassingly say — the committee voted that the man best suited to be the third commissioner in Big East history occupied the office right down the hall from Tranghese’s.
During the press conference, it was noted that Marinatto’s career “mirrors” the conference’s history, but more to the point, it mirrors Tranghese’s career. Both came to the Big East via Providence College, Tranghese as a sports flak at the school under Dave Gavitt, who moved to the conference when Gavitt put it together.
Marinatto served as Providence’s athletic director for 14 years, meaning he combines Gavitt’s background with all he has learned at Tranghese’s knee.
Not surprisingly, those who selected him offered nothing but high praise, using such phrases as “he will serve the conference with great honor and distinction” and that he will be “a visionary leader.”
There was not a negative voice in the house and there is no reason to believe there should be.
Now, back to my envy of the man who will lead the Big East into the future, and rest assured it has nothing to do with the fact that he will be able to get free tickets to a West Virginia-DePaul volleyball game.
No, I am envious because this man doesn’t seem to have a damn thing to do.
Tranghese has taken care of everything.
Normally, when someone moves into the top job of any organization, he outlines a plan of action, the changes he will make, the hopes and dreams he has. He talks about putting his stamp on the product, of molding it into this great vision he has had for some time.
With Marinatto, the status is quo, so to speak.
Oh, there are areas out there that seem to require attention, beginning with whether or not the football conference should add one team. At nine, each team would play eight league games and four non-conference games.
“There is no specific item like that being talked about,” he said. “No discussion. Mike and I are on the same page on football expansion. We’re open-minded. If a certain school or two became available … but there no immediate plans.”
OK, what about the Notre Dame situation, where the Irish play other sports but don’t play Big East football?
“Mike and I are on the same page there,” he said. “I sat in the room when the Big East took Notre Dame. They were up front with us. They have been a tremendous partner in all sports and have helped greatly in football, but that their independence in football is very important to them.”
No ninth team, no Notre Dame.
OK, what will be done in the area of television and the league’s contract?
“In the past year and a half we have extended both the basketball and football contracts well into the future. We are on absolutely solid ground,” he said.
Some people see the Big Ten Network as the wave of the future. Will there be a Big East Network?
“We actually have our own TV network,” Marinatto said. “It’s called ESPN. They are our partner.”
There has been talk about a split between the football and basketball schools. Can you see that happening?
“I know people say that, but they are outsiders. No one within the conference brings these items up. It’s mostly speculation on blogs. In fact, it’s quite the opposite,” Marinatto said. “Having bonded through the rebuilding stage, we’ve actually grown stronger than we’ve ever been. The unity and camaraderie that exists with our 16 presidents and athletic directors speaks well for our future.”
No one, it seemed, could find anything for Marinatto to put his stamp on except the envelope in which he pays his electric bill. In fact, when asked what his biggest challenge is, he said it would be to deal with the conference’s bowl affiliations after the next BCS contract is signed.
But that is hardly a pressing challenge, considering that doesn’t come up again until 2013.
Until then, it appears, Marinatto has little else to do except enjoy those WVU-DePaul volleyball matches.
This article appeared in the Fairmont Times West Virginian on Thursday, November 13, 2008.
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'Significant Announcement Concerning the Direction of the Conference" Coming at 11:00
One thing we learned real fast though, if you don't like whips, don't ask for more saturday slots or increased exposure during College GameDay etc.
