The Sun's Arizin: Villanova AD Mark Jackson is a rising star

Huuuuuuuump Daaaaaaaaaay! I'm trying to not allow myself to join the hype train on Mark Jackson, but I have to say I'm encouraged by what I've read. His background in football isn't why he was hired, but maybe it will help in the future. More importantly, he's had some success with big projects and fundraising - two things that are really important at Villanova right now.

It's also nice to see his former USC colleagues jump to sing his praises. USC has had it's fair share of problems but Pete Carroll and Pat Haden would know what this guy can do, so their vote of confidence is a good thing in my eyes.

I had no idea if Jackson will even have the chance to be good - hopefully he does - but for now he's passed the smell test for me. I thought he was personable and engaging in his press conference. Now, let's ignite some change.

And now, the "news."

Villanova names Mark Jackson athletic director | Philly.com
Jackson was the "consensus" choice of the search committee to replace Vince Nicastro, one source said, noting that Jackson also seemed to understand the limitations of a program without big-time football paying the bills, that he might have to be creative in the future.

Terry Toohey: Jackson accepts the challenge at Villanova | Times Herald
And while he does have an extensive background in football, it does not mean that Villanova is once again contemplating a move from the FCS to the FBS so let’s quickly put that to rest. “It is coincidental,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, Villanova’s president. “I wasn’t really looking really at that. I was looking at his ability for facilities management, his experience with athletic directing, his experience with multiple sports and his experience with fundraising. That’s really what intrigued me about Mark."

USC's Mark Jackson hired as Villanova athletic director | LA Times
Jackson, 40, oversaw construction of the McKay Center, the Uytengsu Aquatics Center and the renovation of Heritage Hall. He also was the athletic department’s point man for the Coliseum.

Brian Ewart Previews the 2015 Villanova Wildcats | Season's Over
I’d like to say [Talley will] coach forever. I think he has a few more years in him, and if that FBS thing had happened, maybe he would have had a few more. As it is, I think he plans to be a part of the program at least a little longer, but we are definitely in the latter part of his run at Villanova.

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