Fordham’s search for a new athletic director has taken on a very anxious tone within the department, two sources told The Post.
The coaches are so concerned about the process because there isn’t a coach or an assistant coach on the search committee that they have circulated an e-mail petition.
The petition asks those in favor of supporting the advancement of Charlie Elwood, the director of athletic administration and McLaughlin’s right hand man, to sign the petition.
One source said he believed the petition had been forwarded to Fordham president Joseph M. McShane, S.J., but that remained unconfirmed.
Elwood is best suited to move right in and continue McLaughlin’s fight for a greater commitment to the athletic department. Nevertheless, another source said many significant boosters are eager to bring in an aggressive AD who will push Fordham into the upper tier of the Atlantic 10.
Therein lies the crux of Fordham’s problem. It doesn’t matter who is the next AD if Fordham doesn’t change its administrative structure, multiple sources said.
The decision maker when it comes to Fordham’s athletic expenditures is Jeff Gray, vice president for student affairs. That structure leaves the AD somewhat impotent, a scenario which has not gone unnoticed by many in the business.
“I know of a few candidates, really good candidates, that wanted to jump at that job because it has so much upside,’’ a college athletics consultant said. “But as soon as they hear how the department works they say the same thing, ‘Why would I want to work at a place where I can’t make decisions.’ ’’
Gray did not return phone messages left last week. Yesterday his administrative assistant said he was unavailable. In a later email, however, Gray said he would respond soon to this issue. Fordham coach Tom Pecora did not return calls.
Coincidentally, ESPN yesterday released a poll that listed Fordham as the worst men’s basketball coaching job in the Atlantic 10 Conference. A group of writers and broadcasters voted in the poll.
Elwood is a solid candidate. He’s a Fordham graduate who cut his marketing teeth at St. John’s. He also served as the chair of the NCAA Division I men’s soccer tournament.
“Charlie isn’t the issue,’’ one source said. “The issue is what the administration will allow the next guy to do. “If they aren’t going to make more of a commitment then they might as well go with Charlie. He knows the place and he’s loyal.’’
