[fullmetal]

If the ACC had poached Muir, it would have allowed everyone to save face.  As it is...there will be no easy decisions, although I promise that I would nearly forgive Muir and MTL if they would just walk that decision back.  I think everyone affected by the cuts would be grateful to have just a chance to have their voices heard and be involved in the decision-making (unlike how it all went down initially).

The alumni want to have a good working relationship with the AD and university going forward.  There is no path forward if we hold grudges now that cannot be forgiven.

And yes, if you read the official budget book, "contractual obligations and a planned generous salary program to match the overall university program" are driving compensation expenses.  Add facility expenses ("due to...lack of a deferred maintenance program") and travel expenses ("an increased need to provide charter travel for select programs").  I wonder if those select programs were included in the cut list.

As for why not get rid of Muir now, Stanford Athletics is a large, unique ship to steer, and to change the captain in the middle of a pandemic requires selecting someone who can do the job better.  Choosing a better captain is a multi-million dollar bet, and as much as I want the 11 sports reinstated, I'm not sure replacing Muir right now without a plan is a great idea.

[fullmetal]

If the ACC had poached Muir, it would have allowed everyone to save face.  As it is...there will be no easy decisions, although I promise that I would nearly forgive Muir and MTL if they would just walk that decision back.  I think everyone affected by the cuts would be grateful to have just a chance to have their voices heard and be involved in the decision-making (unlike how it all went down initially).

The alumni want to have a good working relationship with the AD and university going forward.  There is no path forward if we hold grudges now that cannot be forgiven.

And yes, if you read the official budget book, "contractual obligations and a planned generous salary program to match the overall university program" are driving compensation expenses.  Add facility expenses ("due to...lack of a deferred maintenance program") and travel expenses ("an increased need to provide charter travel for select programs").  I wonder if those select programs were included in the cut list.

As for why not get rid of Muir now, Stanford Athletics is a large, unique ship to steer, and to change the captain in the middle of a pandemic requires selecting someone who can do the job better.  Choosing a better captain is a multi-million dollar bet, and as much as I want the 11 sports reinstated, I'm not sure replacing Muir right now without a plan is a great idea.