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In this feature, we will start to dissect some of the potential candidates out there to fill the now vacant AD position at Clemson. In this post we'll look at Baylor AD Ian McCaw and what he brings to the table.
First, his credentials:
- Senior Associate AD for Development/Associate AD for External Affairs - Tulane University (1992-1997)
- Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation - Northeastern University (1997-2002)
- AD - University of Massachusetts (2002-2003)
- AD - Baylor University (2003-present)
- Under his watch at Baylor: Baylor has captured three NCAA team championships, 36 Big 12 Conference championships and its first bowl victory in 20 years.
- Selected as one of five finalists for the 2012 Sports Business Journal Athletics Director of the Year award.
- Named the 2012 NACDA West Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year and 2010 Waco Tribune Herald Central Texas Sportsman of the Year.
- Increased athletics development activity has led to the funding and completion of the Highers Athletics Complex including the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center and Allison Indoor Football Practice Facility; the Grant Teaff and Letterwinners Plazas at Floyd Casey Stadium; the Lt. Jack Whetsel Jr. Basketball Practice Facility; the Willis Family Equestrian Center; and Getterman Softball Practice Facility
Is McCaw a good fit for Clemson? If Clemson is looking for a candidate that has a proven track record as an AD at a Division I university that can foster success across sports, then McCaw may be the right fit. He was responsible for hiring Art Briles who has rebuilt the Baylor football program team into a winner, and has brought in funding and upgrades to a number of Baylor athletic facilities. He would come into a much easier situation at Clemson than at Baylor, at least initially, as Clemson isn't under NCAA scrutiny like what Baylor faced when McCaw took over.
He certainly appears happy in Waco. McCaw is a deacon at a local church and his four children and wife are heavily involved in the Waco community. According to USA Today, McCaw made just over $400,000 in 2011, which according to that site is well under the $600,000 TDP made in the same year (Salaries). If money is an issue, Clemson wouldn't have a problem attracting McCaw. At this point we simply do not know whether that is the case.
If Barker and his braintrust are interested in going the route of hiring an AD with strong AD experience, McCraw could be an intriguing hire. I don't doubt he could be successful at Clemson and he certainly appears on the surface as a strong candidate should Clemson have interest in him.