Good By Bill Moos

The following is the official University of Oregon press release on Bill Moos stepping down as Athletic Director

University of Oregon athletic director Bill Moos to step down

EUGENE, Ore.-(Nov. 26, 2006)-University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer today announced that UO athletic director Bill Moos will step down after nearly 12 years in the post. Frohnmayer and Moos made the joint announcement after a series of conversations initiated by Moos about the future direction of the University of Oregon athletics program and Moos' professional and personal goals. Per President Frohnmayer's request, Moos will continue serving as the athletic director until March 2007.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the University of Oregon's athletic director for the last 12 years," said Moos.

President Frohnmayer expressed his appreciation for the leadership Moos has provided to the University of Oregon athletics program and noted his success in a variety of areas including building the athletic department into one of the few self-sufficient athletic programs in the country.

"Bill has clearly demonstrated that it is possible to create a financially sound, self-sufficient athletic program while also creating a supportive environment for our student athletes. The University of Oregon has been successful, partnering with university donors, in building athletic facilities which are state of the art for Division I athletic programs. I greatly appreciate the progress that has been made during Bill's tenure as athletic director," said Frohnmayer.>
"Bill and I agreed this was a good time to reflect on that progress and look closely at what it will take to be successful over the next decade. Together we reached the decision that now was the appropriate time to make this change," said Frohnmayer.>
"As my family and I considered our future, it became apparent that the time was right to enter into a new chapter in our lives. Though we will miss our many friends, we will forever savor the memories we shared with them," Moos said. "I am proud of what we have accomplished and feel that the program is in solid shape."

"I owe so much to this place and I will reflect with fond memories on my years at the University of Oregon. I am extremely grateful to my coaches and staff and to the many donors who believed in the vision and helped to build the blueprint that has made Oregon one of the premier athletic programs in the country," said Moos.

The university and Moos have reached an agreement in principle that includes Moos staying on as athletic director until March 31, 2007.

Frohnmayer said that the university will begin a selection process immediately with the goal of identifying a candidate prior to Moos' departure.

I have not been a big fan of Bill Moos. I believe he was able to do a lot with Phil Knight's money such as the indoor practice facility, and the expansion of Autzen Stadium. However when he and Phil Knight had their public spat he was unable to get Knight on board for a new Basketball Arena. Knight and Bill Moos got into their spat over the handling of the ouster of ex-track coach Martin Smith. Knight took particular offense at how Nike was left to be perceived as behind the dismissal. Smith had done little to further Oregon's deep distance-running tradition.

Asked for a comment then by the Oregonian newspaper, Knight sent it a statement saying, "Bill Moos had 10 chances to make the right decision ... and missed every one of them. It's hard to be that perfect." Then when the Athletic Department's main "go between", Assistant AD, Jim Bartko, left Oregon for Cal the main contact to Phil Knight was gone. A real loss for Oregon. I also will never forgive Bill Moos for his attempt at becoming AD at the University of Washington when Barbra Hedges was forced out. He came to Oregon saying he wanted to make Oregon the premiere school in the Northwest and then tried to move to Washington when there was an opening making a mockery of everything he had done before. Thus,in my opinion it was time for Moos to go. I do believe Moos made this decision on his own.... he was not shoved out. He wants to see his son who graduates from high school in June play college football probably at the University of Idaho. In the end it was best for Bill Moos and best for the Ducks. So Bill go to your ranch in the Palouse in Washington State, spend time with your family , and Oregon lets build a new basketball arena.