There were a lot of topics on the table of discussion in last week's Big 10 meetings. First and foremost, is the rapid move towards a four team playoff in college football, which could get here in a couple years. I asked Northwestern Athletic Director Jim Phillips what his biggest takeaways were from the meetings. "Couple things – tremendous collaboration between all 12 … [Read more...] about Big Ten conference bigger player in national football power structure
athletic director jim phillips
Former Rush, Wolves President coming to Northwestern
Northwestern University Director of Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips announced today that Mike Polisky, most recently the team president of the Chicago Wolves and formerly president and general manager of the Chicago Rush Arena Football organization, has been named Northwestern's senior associate athletic director for external affairs. He begins his duties with the … [Read more...] about Former Rush, Wolves President coming to Northwestern
Northwestern Jumps Wisconsin in Bowl Hierarchy
By Paul M. Banks You could certainly call this year's bowl destination for Northwestern a step up from last season's, and you can say that the selection process gave NU more respect this year than they did last year. In '08 a 8-4 Iowa team jumped a 9-3 NU squad (which beat Iowa) for the Outback Bowl slot. Unless there's a two game gap between teams in the standings … [Read more...] about Northwestern Jumps Wisconsin in Bowl Hierarchy
Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 2
By Paul M. Banks For part one, click here. As Northwestern Athletic Director Jim Phillips aggressively pursues the idea of joining forces with the Chicago Cubs to stage a football game between his Northwestern Wildcats and their rival, the University of Illinois at Wrigley Field, it reminds me of how I once heard Phillips described. The head coach of NU’s baseball team, … [Read more...] about Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 2
Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 1
By Paul M. Banks In 2008-09, Chicagoans became well aware of how Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, along with team Vice President John McDonough re-branded the Blackhawks from red-headed stepchild to main event on the Second City’s sports stage. Forbes named them the biggest turnaround in sports business history. When you’re a university Athletic Director, you have … [Read more...] about Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 1