Fans, alumni surprised by departure of MU athletic director
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Fans, students and alumni of the University of Missouri are reacting to the news of the university having to find a new athletic director.
The search comes after now-former Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois confirmed Monday that she accepted the same position at the University of Arizona. Several alumni and students said they were surprised by Francois's decision to leave after what some consider a short-lived period of time in the position, but wish her the best at her alma mater.
Reed-Francois was hired in August 2021. Marcy Girton was named the interim director.
"Very heartbreaking, she was the heart and soul of our teams and it's just sad to see her go," MU junior Ryan Luecht said.
Fans commended the work Reed-Francois did in her two-and-a-half years as AD. Many of her accomplishments included the hiring of new coaches.
"She just had everything going the right way," said MU Junior Turner Mccarty. "Attendance was up, fans were just a lot more excited than before she came."
Some standouts fans said they found to be monumental include the hiring of men's basketball coach Dennis Gates, volleyball head coach Dawn Sullivan, as well as baseball head coach Kerrick Jackson. Others also pointed out Reed-Francois's relationship with donors to secure $62 million toward improvements to Faurot Field.
Boone County Alumni Association board member Wally Pfeffer said he was taken aback by the news, and noted the next athletic director will have big shoes to fill. However, Pfeffer said he believes she's left behind a solid line of work.
"I'm saddened she is... I understand why and she's laid a great foundation here," Pfeffer said. "I would say that the next athletic director wont have to take the you know step back, take two steps forward. I think they can just take two or three steps forward on what she's done."
Fans also pointed out that they believe Reed-Francois played a crucial role in the football team's success, including an 11-2 record on the season, as well as a Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State.
"I think it does speak volumes as to the job that she has done," said MU fifth year Billy Schulze. "Her ability to take a program that was relatively low on the totem pole in the SEC, and you know a top ten finish in the CFP this year."
Pfeffer said he believes ensuring all coaching staff at MU are on board with whoever the university chooses to be the new AD will be crucial for the continuation of future success. Others say they hope whoever fills Reed-Francois' shoes has a heavy focus on recruitment.
University President Mun Choi said the search for a permanent AD will begin immediately.
