I sure wish R.C. Johnson had called me last summer. Instead, he called old friend Mike Tranghese, the former commissioner of the Big East Conference, with an offer (or challenge): How can the University of Memphis better position itself for membership in a major conference? Tranghese would be paid $5,000 a month for six months for his advice.
Based on what I’ve read today, Tranghese had three major observations at the end of his consulting gig (December 31st):
1) The Tiger program has deep and widespread support throughout the community.
2) The facilities need an upgrade.
3) The football program needs to win more games.
Hmmmmmmm. Somehow, Tranghese overlooked the enduring popularity of Larry Finch, or the fact DeAngelo Williams was a pretty good college running back. We’ll assume he recognized the Mississippi River flows south.
These are tough economic times. $30,000 doesn’t buy you what it once did.
