Syracuse’s new Athletic Director, Mark Coyle, was formally introduced Monday in a 25 minute press conference. ¬†After introductions from¬†Steve Ballantine, who headed the search for a new A.D., and Chancellor Kent Syverud, Coyle addressed the media and he answered many questions that every Syracuse fan is burning to have answered.
The most basic things were addressed as Coyle talked about his experiences at Kentucky and Boise State and how he can apply those experiences to maximize Syracuse athletics.  Then, Coyle got down to the big stuff as he answered questions on Boeheim, the football schedule, and renovations to the Carrier Dome.
Though it should have be expected that Coyle would give general, cliche answers, his comments on Boeheim took the cake saying that “We plan to have some more talks about that coming.”
His comments on how he wishes to schedule the football season, and his plans for the Dome were more telling. ¬†Coyle hinted that the Carrier Dome may indeed be getting a make-over. ¬†He recognizes the unique facility that the Orange have and how it can be a “great recruiting tool”.
That’s something that has often been overlooked as fans gripe about parking, restrooms and seat backs (which, to be fair, are all warranted complaints). ¬†However, the Dome can and should be much more than just stadium. ¬†There is no on-campus venue like it in the country and in its present state, it can’t maximize on that. ¬†Often, people, like plenty of the crowd who flocked to Syracuse for the Eastern Regionals, are so caught up in how old and decrepit the building is, they lose sight of its uniqueness. ¬†The Dome could and should be used as a recruiting tool and that Coyle recognizes this is a good sign.
As for Coyle’s opinion on how the football season should be scheduled he said that “I think you have to schedule in a way that gives you a chance to compete for postseason success”. ¬†He was able to do this at Boise State playing against Florida State, Syracuse football is in desperate need of someone who can revitalize the program.
Coyle was able to do wonders for the Broncos, maybe he can replicate his success in Central New York.
While Coyle’s introductory presser did not yield extraordinary quotes or reveal any crucial information, it did highlight the fact that a new era in Syracuse athletics has begun.
