Tom Goss is scheduled to officially begin his new job as the University's athletic director Monday, only five days before the Michigan football season kicks off.
Though University President Lee Bollinger would not confirm the nomination, sources close to the administration said Bollinger plans to announce Monday that the California business executive will replace retiring Athletic Director Joe Roberson. Bollinger will formally announce Roberson's departure from the post at the same press conference.
"I think this is the best way, just to have everything happen at the same time," said Regent Olivia Maynard (D-Flint), who confirmed that Goss' contract will start Monday. "This is probably the best way to do the transition. The new one will take on the job as the old one moves on."
Roberson publicly announced his intention to step down from the post Aug. 12, citing the mounting stresses that accompany college athletics.
Assistant Athletic Director Bruce Madej said that a specific timetable has not been set for the transition period, but Roberson will assist the new athletic director for a short while.
"I don't know when Tom will walk into the office, probably Monday afternoon," Madej said. "But no final date has been set for Joe Roberson to leave. Joe is in the office (today) and has meetings set for next week."
Goss will become the fourth person to serve as athletic director in nine years. He will inherit a bruised and battered athletic program that is currently conducting an investigation into alleged NCAA infractions by the basketball team and trying to overcome four straight disappointing football seasons, in which Michigan lost four games each year.
"This is going to be a transition period," Madej said. "Roberson has not moved out of his office. I don't think that there are boxes outside of his office. He's around and no one is booting him out."
Michigan men's golf coach Jim Carras said he thinks it will take some time for Goss to feel comfortable in his new position.
"Unless he's a superhuman ... it is going to take him some time to get adjusted," Carras said. "It's like a freshman coming to campus for the first year. It's a whole new culture to get adjusted to."
Carras said the new appointment will not affect the golf program.
"I don't think it will change my program, I've been through five athletic directors and we just keep on going," Carras said.
While reports have circulated about Goss' appointment for more than a week, Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said she could not confirm Goss' nomination or the date he will start.
"We said all along, the announcement will be made by President Bollinger on Monday," Baker said.
Goss received his undergraduate education at the University and played football from 1966-68. He was an All-Big Ten defensive tackle in 1968.
Since his days on campus, Goss has been an active part of the business world, holding the positions of vice president for sales of Faygo Beverages, executive vice president and general manager of National Beverage Corp.'s Western Shasco Division and president and chief operating officer of PIA Merchandising.
Through all his business endeavors, Goss still hasn't forgotten his maize and blue roots: In the early 1970s, Goss was a member of the Big Ten's Black Commission, a delegation of black athletes who looked for ways to improve college athletics. Goss also served as the president of the Detroit branch of the University Club, an alumni organization.