Pollard announces his retirement

[isufbcurt]

So if it was not a huge surprise by many, than why is this a huge deal in the news? For the general public and many in the media, it sure sounds like it was a surprise.

It means nothing to me, I have no ax to grind here, just seems strange. This is huge announcement for the university, not some average person retiring, but a person that will led the university athletic department for years.

It probably was a surprise for the general public and the media, but once again why do we think he needs to give them a heads up. He gave to people who need to know a heads up, who the F cares if the media and general public didn't know.

I am so sick of people thinking they are entitled to know the inner workings of everything that goes on - YOU AREN'T IMPORTANT, GET OVER YOURSELF.

 

[NWICY]

I guess it must not really bother people that one of most important persons at the university just up and retired. I mean this person not only hires and fires the coaches, but charts the path of the athletic program for not only today, but far into the future, but it's ok, stop asking questions.

You are really doing the heavy lifting in this thread, hope you don't pull a muscle.

 

[1SEIACLONE]

It probably was a surprise for the general public and the media, but once again why do we think he needs to give them a heads up. He gave to people who need to know a heads up, who the F cares if the media and general public didn't know.

I am so sick of people thinking they are entitled to know the inner workings of everything that goes on - YOU AREN'T IMPORTANT, GET OVER YOURSELF.

So one of the most important positions in the athletic department that we all support just changed, but "hey it's not a big deal." The relationship between the coach and AD are one of the most important that can occur at a university, that has now been changed. Look at how many people stated without any facts that one of the reasons Campbell left was he did not like the way Pollard was handling NIL, but that relationship means nothing now that a new person is coming in.

I never said I was important, just asking a simple question and people are going crazy for me asking it. Like I said before, Pollard does not owe any of us an explanation, but not giving one does open him up to questionings.

But its all good, so lets carry on.

 

[madguy30]

So one of the most important positions in the athletic department that we all support just changed, but "hey it's not a big deal." The relationship between the coach and AD are one of the most important that can occur at a university, that has now been changed. Look at how many people stated without any facts that one of the reasons Campbell left was he did not like the way Pollard was handling NIL, but that relationship means nothing now that a new person is coming in.


ADVERTISEMENT




I never said I was important, just asking a simple question and people are going crazy for me asking it. Like I said before, Pollard does not owe any of us an explanation, but not giving one does open him up to questionings.

But its all good, so lets carry on.

Are you somehow assuming they haven't had a plan in place on the approach of this?

If he doesn't owe anyone an explanation, why would it be open to questions?

If this were in like October or February and not cited as a health issue questions would be legit but it's the middle of summer and the football change is several months in along with things like the basketball recruiting cycle. It's a good time to leave.

 

[isufbcurt]

So one of the most important positions in the athletic department that we all support just changed, but "hey it's not a big deal." The relationship between the coach and AD are one of the most important that can occur at a university, that has now been changed. Look at how many people stated without any facts that one of the reasons Campbell left was he did not like the way Pollard was handling NIL, but that relationship means nothing now that a new person is coming in.

I never said I was important, just asking a simple question and people are going crazy for me asking it. Like I said before, Pollard does not owe any of us an explanation, but not giving one does open him up to questionings.

But its all good, so lets carry on.

The way you keep going on you sure act like you are important and entitled to answers - But guess what you aren't important to JP's decision

 

[clonedude]

So one of the most important positions in the athletic department that we all support just changed, but "hey it's not a big deal." The relationship between the coach and AD are one of the most important that can occur at a university, that has now been changed. Look at how many people stated without any facts that one of the reasons Campbell left was he did not like the way Pollard was handling NIL, but that relationship means nothing now that a new person is coming in.

ADVERTISEMENT

I never said I was important, just asking a simple question and people are going crazy for me asking it. Like I said before, Pollard does not owe any of us an explanation, but not giving one does open him up to questionings.

But its all good, so lets carry on.

Sorry... I really don't understand what your problem is with all of this?

I'm sure everyone on this site realizes that... yes... this is a huge deal for ISU athletics... but was JP supposed to keep doing until the day he died to make us all happy, or what? People have been wondering for a while now when this day would come.... and here it is. And it's not like he's up and leaving... he's still going to be here for possibly another whole year.

And who really cares what the reason is that he's retiring now. I take him at his word that both his wife and him are still relatively young and in decent health... and wants to get to enjoy retirement some before that is no longer the case. I'm sure the current state of collegiate athletics hasn't helped either, but I totally agree with him on that.... it's a total CLUSTER F. It's awful.

I just don't know what you're wanting him to do that would satisfy you? Completely spill the beans about every single thing he's unhappy about?? That ain't happening... and it shouldn't.

Things happen in one's life... life is unpredictable... deal with it.

 

[madguy30]

And FWIW I thought Pollard seemed kind of dodgy with questions at times and things weren't always clear, etc., but he stayed at a spot that's an uphill trek for 20 years and was very instrumental in ISU's brand.

That's very commendable going out at 61 while things are good is the way to go.

 

[1SEIACLONE]

Sorry... I really don't understand what your problem is with all of this?

I'm sure everyone on this site realizes that... yes... this is a huge deal for ISU athletics... but was JP supposed to keep doing until the day he died to make us all happy, or what? People have been wondering for a while now when this day would come.... and here it is. And it's not like he's up and leaving... he's still going to be here for possibly another whole year.

And who really cares what the reason is that he's retiring now. I take him at his word that both his wife and him are still relatively young and in decent health... and wants to get to enjoy retirement some before that is no longer the case. I'm sure the current state of collegiate athletics hasn't helped either, but I totally agree with him on that.... it's a total CLUSTER F. It's awful.

I just don't know what you're wanting him to do that would satisfy you? Completely spill the beans about every single thing he's unhappy about?? That ain't happening... and it shouldn't.

Things happen in one's life... life is unpredictable... deal with it.

I don't have a problem just curious, something just doesn't add up. Here is a relatively young person at 61 years, no health problems which he stated, in the middle of a legacy project that he championed and spent years getting lined up and construction just stating and then hiring a new football coach and he is walking away. People in these powerful positions tend to be type A personalities and those types of people tend not to walk away and retire at the young age of 61 very often. Maybe Pollard is fed up, who knows, but something is still missing from this puzzle.

Pollard seemed to have no problem spilling the beans when he was complaining about players transferring out of the university, or holding a press conference to complain about NIL and the B10 and SEC, and a variety of other topics he has bought up over the past 22 years. But questioning why he is leaving now is off the table? If there was a plan in place, then why did ISU not do like Iowa did and hire a person as the asst. AD and allow them to learn the ins and outs of the job while the current AD is still there? In his statement he said he would be here until the end of June or leaving after a new AD is hired. So which is it, is he staying till June or when the new person comes on board?

 

[StPaulCyclone]

I agree with pretty much all of this.

I'm also skeptical of CyTown. I just don't think Ames is big enough and busy enough to support a Power and Lightesque entertainment area. And, I thought I heard Mary Greeley was going to be an anchor... What does a medical clinic have to do with an entertainment area? I hope it works out and I get to enjoy it someday but I'm not optimistic.

McFarland. AD has access to it. Go research what Title Town in Green Bay has as a part of their complex. Your skepticism might be addressed by learning about the project.

 

[cyclones500]

A few people inquired about why he would leave before CyTown process is complete. Is it possible he still could agree to continue involvement in some kind of advisory capacity?

One post said his work essentially is "done" and it's on to the contractor phase, but I don't know ins and outs.

I kinda hope there's a more creative name than "CyTown." ( That's a separate discussion).

 

[cyclones500]

In his statement he said he would be here until the end of June or leaving after a new AD is hired. So which is it, is he staying till June or when the new person comes on board?

You're overthinking (Unless I'm misinterpreting your question).

* If a new AD is in place prior to June 30, 2027, JP will retire at that point.
* If no one is in the role by June 30, he will exit on that date.

 

[clonedude]

A few people inquired about why he would leave before CyTown process is complete. Is it possible he still could agree to continue involvement in some kind of advisory capacity?

One post said his work essentially is "done" and it's on to the contractor phase, but I don't know ins and outs.

I kinda hope there's a more creative name than "CyTown." ( That's a separate discussion).

I doubt that he would stick around for that.

I do have my concerns about the future of CyTown, but I also don't pretend to know all that much about it. But I also appreciate JP's "thinking outside the box" to help get us out of this financial mess that he was handed... so I hope it all works out. When they shoved the solvency of CY Stephens on the AD's lap... JP had to do something. CyTown will either be a success or it won't... but it was maybe the only way out of this financial mess. Doing nothing was not an option really.

I'm actually hoping a new AD might bring some different insights into this CyTown situation too... who knows?

 

[1UNI2ISU]

You're overthinking (Unless I'm misinterpreting your question).

* If a new AD is in place prior to June 30, 2027, JP will retire at that point.
* If no one is in the role by June 30, he will exit on that date.

Exactly. Retirements are worded that way in almost every industry your can think of.

My guess is that there's a new AD by November 1 and Jamie exits at that point.

 

[cyclones500]

Exactly. Retirements are worded that way in almost every industry your can think of.

My guess is that there's a new AD by November 1 and Jamie exits at that point.

Yep, fairly standard retirement "language." I've been with media for a while and that's common structure.

November switchover guess is reasonable. It'll be filled long before 6-30-27.

 

[cykadelic2]

Exactly. Retirements are worded that way in almost every industry your can think of.

My guess is that there's a new AD by November 1 and Jamie exits at that point.

I would also guess it will be around that date and highly likely before the next FB portal cycle.

 

[SolarGarlic]

Was hoping for a Willis Reed moment, that the best player on the team shows his teammates and coaches he is there for them, and is going to go as long as he can. He chose not too, and has to live with the decision.

Yeah I think his conscience will rest easy. He couldn't go. That's the point. But you thought because they showed him going 25% at a shootaround that that meant he was healthy enough to compete.

 

[Clonealways]

No no no

Agree. I’m sure he’s more than comfortable, but walking away from making $2200/day is impressive.

He likely is not walking away from $2200 a day as much as he is walking towards a similar or likely greater amount and not have to work.

 

[VeloClone]

You obviously haven't been to many stadiums. All the older ones are much much tighter than the Jack. Try going to a game in Iowa City or Lincoln. You'll love your spacious accomidations after that. If people are crowding your row, get seat backs.

The 6'8" 270+# guy with a seatback right next to our group of seats exacerbated the problem. He is in his seat but takes up half of either seat beside him. We could all have seat backs but he still isn't just taking up his allotted seat.

 

[VeloClone]

I guess it must not really bother people that one of most important persons at the university just up and retired. I mean this person not only hires and fires the coaches, but charts the path of the athletic program for not only today, but far into the future, but it's ok, stop asking questions.

Dude, are you serious? He has been here for over two decades and is now retirement age. And he didn't walk into his boss's office and give two weeks notice. He gave a year's notice.

Grow up and quit crying about it.

His family have all had health issues in the past. Good on him making sure he and his wife can enjoy some retirement with good health.

 

[VeloClone]

So one of the most important positions in the athletic department that we all support just changed, but "hey it's not a big deal." The relationship between the coach and AD are one of the most important that can occur at a university, that has now been changed. Look at how many people stated without any facts that one of the reasons Campbell left was he did not like the way Pollard was handling NIL, but that relationship means nothing now that a new person is coming in.

I never said I was important, just asking a simple question and people are going crazy for me asking it. Like I said before, Pollard does not owe any of us an explanation, but not giving one does open him up to questionings.

But its all good, so lets carry on.

In one post you say that the media and social media is all talking about it so it certainly must be a surprise and then in another post you point out how important the position is to the AD and University. Maybe they are all talking about it BECAUSE it is such an important position...

It was big news when Barta was out and he wasn't half the AD that Jamie is.