THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 15, 1995 TAG: 9502150573
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Terry Holland is the obvious choice as the next director of athletics at the University of Virginia, and not just because he looks good in herringbone.
When Jim Copeland departed for Southern Methodist University in December, Holland's was the first name that leaped to mind. Nobody in athletics today better fits the image the school would like to project than the long, cool former basketball coach.
After Holland gave up his Cavalier team five years ago to become athletic director at Davidson, it was assumed that he would return to Charlottesville at the appropriate time as Virginia's AD.
The time has come. Holland remains the perfect fit for U.Va. And, yet, the school is in no rush to do the obvious thing.
``This is not a hurry-up process,'' U.Va. president John Casteen said at a meeting in which he told the athletic staff not to expect the hiring to take place until ``late spring.''
So a search committee was formed to seek candidates from universities in and out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. As if the president had lost Holland's phone number.
This is not what the former coach and his supporters, of which there are thousands, had in mind.
Anyone in Holland's position, especially someone as prideful and stubborn as he, would be disappointed with the way the process is proceeding.
His fans anticipated a different scenario: a huddle of high-ranking school officials. A cloud of white smoke. The appearance of Holland on the balcony, waving to the multitudes.
Perhaps Holland feels that he has meant too much to the school to be reduced to a mere applicant. Can you blame him?
Maybe it's not surprising, then, that, as of last Monday, Holland had not tossed his tweed jacket into the ring.
Eventually, he might. Or the school will get around to contacting him. But, for now, the search process is a barrier between the two parties.
Someone in Charlottesville close to U.Va. athletics explains it this way: ``Terry is the kind of guy whose philosophy has always been, `You know where I am.' ''
This sounds familiar.
For most of his 16 years at U.Va., Holland's biggest weakness was as a recruiter. He believed deeply in himself and the university, but he wasn't a pushy, or particularly convincing, salesman. His attitude seemed to be: ``You know where U.Va. is.''
Now, when U.Va. is asking candidates to pitch themselves for the AD position, Holland won't do it. The man is nothing if not consistent.
``He wants the job,'' said an ACC coach and Holland friend, ``but he doesn't want to have to wait until May.''
While the search continues, Craig Littlepage capably holds down the interim AD position. There are greater concerns at U.Va. than the hiring of a playground director, namely the progress of a capital campaign aimed at raising $700 million over several years.
But in this important area, as well, Holland's reputation would be a major asset.
``He could probably cut a lot of corners, because he already knows the people to know,'' said the Charlottesville observer. ``Another athletic director might need years to get comfortable with the big donors.''
Holland best get comfortable with a search process that might - and should - lead to his getting the job.
We're long past the point where he can expect to be anointed. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The time has come. Terry Holland remains the perfect fit for U.Va.
athletic director. And, yet, the school is in no rush to do the
obvious thing.
by CNB