From my personal experience in this profession, it only makes sense he is involved if he’s got a title as Director of Water Polo.
If that’s not the case and it’s about splitting the programs, then it wouldn’t make sense to be involved beyond a member on the interview panel with other coaches. Especially when it comes to individuals in mind who are on staff (Jason for example) it can be a conflict of interest as they have worked together for a long time. This is not an end all be all conclusion but I have seen this go multiple ways
It is clear, then, that you do not understand how the Division I hiring processes work. This is not a situation in which a coach has left the university on bad terms. Adam Wright has helped UCLA win 11 NCAA championships during his time as both a player and a coach. Given his history with the program, it would be entirely reasonable, and professionally responsible, for the athletic department to seek his input.
Do you honestly think UCLA’s athletic director has more meaningful water polo expertise than Adam Wright? The current AD is 46, was born in North Carolina, and previously held administrative roles at three schools that did not even sponsor water polo. That does not mean he is incapable of making the appointment, but any competent athletic director would consult a Hall of Fame water polo figure who knows the program intimately and wants what is best for it.
That is particularly relevant when names such as Falitz and Robinson are being discussed, as both previously served as assistants under Wright. In those circumstances, Wright would naturally be an important reference and a valuable source of insight, regardless of whether he holds the formal title of Director of Water Polo.
Respectfully, do you? Because I have been on multiple hiring committees for NCAA programs (D1, D2 and D3 just to keep track) for positions from assistant coach for a specific program to Athletic Director. Allow me to clarify that each position and institution does things differently. I was offering a professional opinion and in that same vein, I would love to be a fly on the wall of that hiring process.
if you’re ever on my campus where I work I would love to give you a tour and tell you all about how I lobbied for major fundraising to keep NCAA water polo sponsored at my institution.
My understanding was the same. I’m not sure whether the degree requirement is an NCAA rule or something specific to UCLA, but I do know of at least one Hall of Fame coach who never completed his degree, and that ultimately prevented him from coaching at the college level.
Falitz is a great guy and an excellent coach. UCLA would be lucky to keep him.
I’m confused by your statements about you being on hiring committees while at the same time you not understanding why Adam Wright might be on one. I don’t know your life story, but is there something that squares that? Adam (and he’s not alone) might be welcomed on any water polo coaching hiring committee.
Perfectly said. He 100% will be consulted if not involved heavily in the process. He’s probably one of the most well respected coaches on campus. My opinion, it would be a shame if Falitz doesn’t get the job. He has more than paid his dues at UCLA.
Adam Wright’s involvement weighs heavily on why he stepped down. We do not know the reasons or circumstances behind his decision or if UCLA gave him a choice. The men’s and women’s programs are separate entities, what happens in each program is exclusive of one another. Even though Adam Wright is still coaching the men’s team, it doesn’t necessarily translate to the university wanting him to continue leading the women’s program. His placement or lack there of on the UCLA Head Coach Hiring Committee will most likely hinge on the reasons why he vacated the Women’s Head Coaching position.
And not to speculate too much but Adam and Jason had a falling out.
He’s a great coach that promotes a championship culture. Players go there to win and do whatever hard work it takes to win. I don’t think that you want to mess with that culture so Adam’s involvement is paramount to finding a successor that will carry forward that championship culture.