“I want to go”: Miami Hurricanes icon admits he wants to leave
The University of Miami is witnessing a leadership transition, which could have an impact on Hurricanes athletics.
Dr. Julio Frenk has left his post as President of the University of Miami to become the Chancellor of UCLA. Frenk had been in Miami for the past eight years.
Miami stated via the University’s official X account that UM CEO Joe Echevarria will serve as Acting President.
President @julio_frenk is leaving the University of Miami to serve as the next Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles, starting January 1, 2025.
The Board of Trustees has selected Chief Executive Officer Joe Echevarria to serve as Acting President of the… pic.twitter.com/5UpZDSNV2k
— University of Miami (@univmiami) June 12, 2024
How will Miami athletics, particularly Hurricanes football, be affected?
When determining who to appoint as Frenk’s permanent replacement, athletics will be just one piece of a very vast pie. However, considering the millions of money at risk in this new era of collegiate sports, it is an important element to consider.
Frenk, Mexico’s former Minister of Health, did not appear to be very interested in sports throughout his time. He did, however, provide his staff significant latitude and resources when it came to making sporting decisions and investing in athletics. Echevarria and Rudy Fernandez, Vice President of University Operations, took the initiative on several fronts, including appointing head football coach Mario Cristobal.
Should the next President be a bit more forceful in this new era of collegiate sports? The Board of Trustees has an important decision to make.
Navigating the future income sharing that will follow the House vs. NCAA settlement, as well as the uncertain possibilities of conference realignment, should be considered priorities by Miami’s leadership.
Miami has not been overly aggressive in pursuing an escape from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Could the approach alter under new leadership?
I’m intrigued to see if Acting President Joe Echevarria receives serious consideration for the permanent position. He led UHealth for two years before becoming the university’s CEO in 2022. He is a Miami alumnus and a lover of the Hurricanes. If appointed, he will most likely be aggressive in pushing UM athletics back to the top in every way imaginable.
