Goss outlines expectations

AD was first choice for 'U'

Newly appointed Athletic Director Tom Goss said yesterday that he will use principles of integrity and accountability to strengthen the University's Athletic Department.

"I am grounded in accountabilities," said Goss, a former California business executive and Michigan defensive tackle. "Once you know what I expect, I hold you accountable. People will know what the expectations are."

Following weeks of speculation, University President Lee Bollinger officially announced Goss as his "absolute first choice" to serve as the ninth athletic director.

"At this moment in the history of the University we need immediate guidance and leadership. He, in my view, exudes a sense of responsibility which, first and foremost, carries over to the athletes," Bollinger said, adding that Goss will protect the department from corruption and improper influences.

Under Goss' leadership, the Athletic Department will return to days past when the directors had total control over the coaches, players and program.

"The major thing here is that the president isn't going to run the athletic department like Duderstadt did. But Bollinger isn't the kind of guy who would do that," said former Athletic Director Don Canham.

Bollinger said that although he personally will keep a watchful eye on the program, it will be Goss' to lead.

"It's his to run, but not for him to do what he sees fit to do," Bollinger said. "I do not view it as the president's job to hire, fire and deal with coaches. I think people do expect the president of the University to set the standards and be responsive.

"It is my responsibility to articulate values and insist that they are implemented," Bollinger said. "I am very dependent on Tom Goss to run a program we can be proud of."

Goss said that he will be sure that the rules of the program are followed in order to maintain the department's integrity.

"Everyone should know what the rules are and once you know those rules, they should be black and white," Goss said.

Goss said he will be fair but decisive when making decisions about hiring and firing coaches. In recent years, athletic directors have been criticized for not being assertive enough when making personnel decisions.

"Under my administration, we will not just go out and shoot someone," Goss said. "Do I have the capacity to let someone go? Yes. Do I need to work with someone when they have problems? Yes."

Goss' contract began yesterday, though his appointment will not formally be presented to the University Board of Regents until Sept. 18.

Goss said he is excited to take on his new position, which he accepted on the advice of his predecessors.

"A few weeks ago, I called a few people, including Don Canham," Goss said. "Don said, 'You can have some fun with this.'"

Goss emphasized the importance of tradition in the Athletic Department.

"I think there's a real need for everyone in the department to understand what tradition is about," Goss said. "We have to bring that tradition back ... from our coaches to everyone who's involved. That tradition means something. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing - the best program in America. And I think we will have that."

As athletic director, Goss will have his fair share of challenges ahead. Besides a string of disappointing football seasons, Goss will confront the results of an investigation into numerous allegations of impropriety made against the Michigan men's basketball program.

Bollinger originally thought the report would be ready for yesterday's press conference, but it was delayed.

"I hope that in the next two weeks, we will be able to tell the public what we intend to do with the results," he 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 Co.

Former Athletic Director and Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler said Goss is the man for the job.

"I didn't think Lee Bollinger could pull it off," Schembechler said. "But he did. We got him. He's a guy who understands Michigan, but he's been away from it for awhile. That might be what we need right about now."

Regent Daniel Horning (R-Grand Haven) said he has no doubt that Goss will be approved by the regents.

"I'm thrilled and I look forward to our regents' meeting when we will have to put him into office," Horning said. "I think that his record speaks for itself, and I look forward to the direction that the college athletic program will turn."

Students said that they are hopeful about the arrival of the new athletic director. LSA first-year student Andrea Loewen said she hopes Goss will be able to handle the struggle he has before him.

"I think it's going to be a big challenge trying to turn all that around," Loewen said.

- Daily Sports Editors Nicholas J. Cotsonika and Alan Goldenbach contributed to this report.

JOE WESTRATE/Daily
Tom Goss and University President Lee Bollinger field questions after the announcement of Goss as the University's ninth athletic director. Goss succeeds Joe Roberson in the post.

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