Conference Realignment: DeFilippo Speaks Out On Latest Round Of ACC Expansion

Interesting comments in today's Boston Globe from Boston College AD Gene DeFilippo, who has now publicly stated the school opposed UConn's inclusion in the ACC during the latest round of conference musical chairs.

"We didn't want them in. It was a matter of turf. We wanted to be the New England team.''

This seems to confirm what we have been saying for over two weeks now, that any block of UConn by Boston College had everything to do with BC wanting exclusive conference rights over New England, and little to do with hurt feelings or past litigation. This was consistent with:

-- South Florida's desire to keep Central Florida out of the Big East
-- The Texas Longhorns reportedly needing to be convinced to let TCU join the Big 12
-- The supposed "gentlemen's agreement" between Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to keep Florida State, Georgia Tech and Clemson, respectively, out of the SEC.
-- The University of Kentucky being "not cool" with Louisville joining the SEC.

And when Texas was ultimately convinced to support TCU's inclusion in the Big 12, there wasn't the same history, perceived vitriolic comments directed at BC and the bad blood stemming from the 2003 lawsuit. And so the Frogs are headed to the Big 12 while Connecticut faces an uncertain future in the Big East.

As for the inclusion of Pittsburgh, who joined the state of Connecticut and UConn in the lawsuit against BC, this appears to be nothing more than a shrewd business move on behalf of GDF and Boston College:

"Turning to Pittsburgh BC officials argued that Pittsburgh, with a stronger tradition in football, as well as a long-established - though dormant - rivalry with the Eagles, would be a better fit.

[snip]

Duke and North Carolina, who have thrived as rivals and neighbors, didn't quite understand the passion behind BC's argument, but Pittsburgh seemed like a reasonable alternative. Under Jamie Dixon, Pittsburgh had established itself as a national power in men's basketball, so the Tobacco Road contingent didn't argue. Calls were made and invitations were accepted."

If nothing else, this speaks to the growing influence that Boston College has on the rest of the ACC. Certainly not as a major player on the field of play (at least this past year), but one that knows a thing or two about sound business decisions and negotiations tactics. 

Now if only we could take these sound CSOM business principles and apply them to our current football program, we'd be all set.