In this episode, I sit down with John Daniel of the University of Cincinnati to discuss the modernization of one of the most innovative athletic departments in the country. John shares insight into Cincinnati’s record-setting financial year, the institution’s critical support before full revenue distribution from the Big 12 Conference kicked in, and how the House Settlement has once again reshaped their financial landscape. We also explore his unique reporting line to both the athletic director and the university’s CFO—an experience that is clearly preparing him for a future cabinet-level role. JD walks through his preparation and thought process for potential athletic director opportunities and the stops he’s had up to this point in his career. I invited JD on the show because as the top deputy in a forward-thinking department like UC, I believe he won’t be a deputy much longer.

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:00 Modernization of the Athletic Department
• 5:30 Onrise
• 6:35 Record Financial Year
• 11:35 Reporting Line with University CFO
• 18:50 Projects JD Thinks is Preparing Him to be an Effective AD
• 23:20 AD Vantage
• 27:10 What to Look for in Job Opportunities
• 29:27 Titles Aren’t Everything, But the Data Says it Matters
• 32:30 How JD Prepares for Opportunities
• 40:20 Why JD is Ready to Become an AD in the Evolving World of College Athletics