Syracuse Football: Twitter and I discuss a college football commissioner

Recently on the Brent Axe show on ESPN Radio Syracuse or CuseSportsTalk.com, if you are into the Twitch thing, analyst Kirk Herbstreit discussed the idea of supporting the idea of having a football commissioner, and that’s an interesting topic as it relates to Syracuse football and its peers around the country.

It was a very good interview altogether on various topics but I had never honestly considered the notion until after the interview. I then realized I not only was into the idea but also was wondering who would make a great commissioner for all college football conferences.

I then posed the question on Twitter to seek out some responses. And while I think Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim and analyst Jay Bilas, who both were submitted as well, would make ideal candidates for a basketball commissioner, I’m not sure I’d choose them to see over all of the college football landscape. So here are three ideas shared via Twitter and three names I think would make a good fit for the position.

Ryen Russillo

Thanks to my friend @Really_Allan for this choice because as he stated “Ryen has watched more college football than anyone I know.” Now admittedly he’s the one I know the least about in these options.

I did listen to him occasionally when I listened to ESPN radio frequently years ago, back when Mike Tirico was on the air from time to time but haven’t in a long time as I prefer to limit the time I do mostly to local sports talk and don’t remember much about him as far as his views on topics. However, I do think one aspect of a good resume should be someone who watches as many games as possible and stays atop the current landscape of the game.

One downfall though might be that there will be questions about past legal issues though I don’t think one has to be perfect to be considered and many of us have moments in our past we aren’t proud of.

I only bring it up because, in this day and culture, it is inevitable that the issue will come up once again if he was on the shortlist as it was one of the things that popped up right away when I searched his name. Having said that though, I’d definitely weigh that against what he might offer the position if he had some great ideas and agendas if placed in that role since to my knowledge he didn’t hurt anyone.

Sean McDonough

This submission comes courtesy of my fellow contributor and the editor of this great site, as well as my brother from another father and mother, @DAMNTWIN Neil Adler. I mean Sean McDonough did attend the Ivy League of Central New York and also did Syracuse Chiefs play by play so hard not to like this option.

Sean seems like the kind of guy who preps well because he covers various sports and does so very well. Of course, he also seems like he might also paint the office Orange but I do believe he could still do the job without bias towards Syracuse football or any particular conference.

He might have a Dinosaur BBQ platter on his desk but he would still ensure he did his job with a high set of standards and with his media background, could also be someone who would deal with the media very well when certain situations arise.

I might want someone with more executive-level experience when dealing with networks when it comes to establishing a college playoff deal and other situations but I’m sure he could handle it well and make sure he was as prepared as possible for any situation.

Lee Corso

Thanks to my friend @CuseCarla for this one. Lee is definitely a recognizable face to college football fans and does have an extensive record as a coach in college football. A college football commissioner would need to wear many hats to address all the issues across the sport and anyone who watches ESPN College Football GameDay knows he is no stranger to wearing many things on his head. 😂

My only concern here would be his age and health as I’d assume that anyone who fills this role will probably be asked to weigh in on a lot of issues and at times maybe dedicate a lot of time to it and possibly be on the road often as well. I do think it’s a fun and exciting choice though for sure if he were healthy and up to it.

Here are my top options for a college football commissioner to lead Syracuse football and other teams.

Kirk Herbstreit

So we talked about one analyst on ESPN College Football GameDay but another analyst who has knowledge of the game, a passion for it as well and the guy who put the idea in my head first is Kirk Herbstreit.

If you listen to the interviews he’s done lately for his book, you’ll see he is a very intelligent and knowledgeable person who cares about the sport. He’s played the game and seems to follow it very closely. I admit I’d like to hear what ideas he’d want to implement if he was put in this position before giving him my full support but I definitely think he’s a good choice for a shortlist at least.

Don McPherson

This is my homer choice because of my love and respect for Don McPherson and the strong intelligence and character he possesses. Don was the QB for an undefeated Syracuse football team and runner up for the Heisman and is a member of the college football hall of fame.

With the passing of Floyd Little recently, I’d put him at the top of my list if there was to be someone from Syracuse football as a contender for the position. He’s also a personal favorite for his work on and off the field so maybe I’m slightly biased on this choice.

He’s spent most of his life after football advocating for charities especially those that involve domestic abuse (he’s been involved locally with Vera House extensively) and respect for women from men. I believe Don is a stand-up gentleman and example of how one can be a top football player but also possess characteristics that make our communities better as well as their lives off the field.

Peyton Manning

And last but not least, the most expensive option most likely but also a popular one that would be a recognizable face who carries respect and knowledge of the game. Peyton Manning, who was recently inducted into the pro football hall of fame, is known as a high IQ quarterback. And if you listen to the Pat McAfee Show, you’ve heard when Peyton was the Colts QB, he studied the game extensively and was a true leader on the field.

If appointed to the position, I believe despite his SEC ties having attended Tennessee, I think he could be unbiased and care enough about his legacy that he’d want to ensure he did what he felt was best for the sport, especially with possible family members playing the game in the future.

I feel like Peyton could be that guy who has the power without it going to his head but also lets you know he’s in charge, as well as work well expressing himself in the media and to fans. I also feel like he’d be a hard worker who would put in as many hours as necessary to ensure the integrity of the sport and the role of commissioner.