Jamie Pollard Quotations

We're making a change in the leadership of the men's basketball program effective immediately.

We're extremely disappointed that our institution has been cast in a negative light as a result of our men's basketball scheduling practices the past three years. I honestly believe that Iowa State University did not knowingly do anything wrong as it relates to scheduling these non-conference games.

We want kids that want to be here. If they choose that they want to be at another place, then that's better for them, and that's better for us. We made the decision a long time ago that we're running a marathon, we're not running a sprint.

We're looking to make Cyclone basketball the center of the state, the Midwest and the NCAA.

We need basketball to be a marquee program. We need to get the right person for Iowa State, and that is not just about money.

Right now, his contract is probably 10th or 11th in the Big 12 Conference. We're not asking him to be 10th or 11th in the Big 12, so there are some things we have to look at.

I am honored to have been chosen as the next director of athletics at Iowa State University. Iowa State's athletic program has a rich tradition, a solid foundation and tremendous potential for growth and even greater success. The opportunity to lead the athletic program at this time is very exciting.

Greg was still in Chicago after interviewing for the Kansas State job. We chatted a few minutes, then I told him that he was the guy to lead us in the future.

Greg McDermott is a rising star in the profession. He's absolutely committed to bringing Hilton Magic back to this building.

We look forward to providing our great fans a scoreboard that actually has the score on it.

It came down to giving a guy from Iowa a chance to prove that his formula works at the big-time level. What's important to me is that we build this overall athletic program the right way.

I think that's the most reasonable approach when discussing all our programs.

Other than the Anthony Davis piece, I don't think (Iowa State) did anything wrong. But the fact that we're associated with something that certainly has the appearance that is less than desirable ... that's a concern.

We need a coach who can put a product onto the floor that our fans can truly believe in.

We'll have a big discussion about it. And my guess is there will be other discussions around the country after you write your story.

To me, this was really a decision about a head coach, a mentor and his pupil and our strong desire that we would do everything possible to make sure that vision happened.

The fact that we didn't make the NCAA Tournament or the NIT contributed to the decision, but I want to emphasize it's clearly not the only reason we're making the decision.

To cement the legacy of coach Douglas, I'm pleased to announce publicly the creation of the Bobby Douglas Endowed Scholarship. One Cyclone wrestler will receive his scholarship aid under the name of Bobby Douglas forever. I must thank John Allen for his generous financial contribution to endow this scholarship and guarantee that Coach Douglas is celebrated annually through this endowment.

We had to be a little creative in order to be competitive.

We want to play in the NIT. We don't want to see our season end the way it did. We need to give the kids a chance to show they're better than they were (Thursday).

Bo was asleep when we got there, but his wife had (Bud Light) and crackers ready for us. There weren't a lot of what people would consider to be wholesome meals during the search.

Bill said I was going to end up with cauliflower ear from talking on the phone so much. That was all right ? as long as we got the coach we wanted.

I've requested that Bill Smith oversee the transition and wrap his hands around the program. He's already had several conversations with current players and recruits.

I wanted an individual who had a sincere passion for being the next Cyclone men's basketball coach. One coach emerged as the clear cut favorite . . . (and that's) Greg McDermott.

President Geoffroy is committed to having a first-class, highly successful athletic program, as I am. But we also have a fan base that clearly supports that goal and wants us to do what is necessary to make that happen. That is what begins now.

Any bonuses he earns becomes part of the next year's guaranteed base compensation. When we win, he wins. It's a win-win deal all around.

As a competitor, he is unmatched. I know he'll bring the same level of enthusiasm, dedication and focus to the head coaching position. He is the ultimate winner and young wrestlers around the nation will be anxious to learn from him.

Although the events of this week concerning basketball scheduling is not the reason we are making this change, the timing of that situation and the negative national publicity that Iowa State has received as a result ... has contributed to the timing of our decision.

It was more convenient. We could watch the women's game, then go back into the office and work when we needed to. Mac and I agreed to talk again at 9:30 ? after the game.

It was hard. He's an outstanding coach, and he's going to have many outstanding opportunities ahead of him. I just feel coach McDermott was a better fit for Iowa State.

I made a personal commitment to myself that when the opportunity came it would need to be at the right place and the right time. The job is just too demanding to want to be an athletic director. I wanted to be an athletic director where I knew it was the right place and the right time.

I hope not. I would anticipate that we're in. We're one of the top 100 best teams in the country.

I just feel coach McDermott was a better fit for Iowa State.

By then, it was hard to remember what day it was, let alone what time I made the phone call. I told him to talk to his family and that we'd talk again very shortly.

I called Greg to see if we could talk on Sunday. We agreed to do it at a home of a mutual friend in Iowa City.

I can assure you that I didn't take this decision lightly.

I can assure you I did not take this decision lightly.

He believes in this program in a way that's way off the charts. His last move was to put the Cyclone team first and foremost.

All I will say is that something could happen quickly.