Ultimately, I don't think Boston College will promote from within. But here are some names you may or may not hear tossed about as possible replacements for Gene DeFilippo.
John Kane, Senior Associate AD and Interim AD -- Kane will serve as interim Athletic Director until a replacement is found. He currently serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director and is DeFilippo's right-hand man. He has over 30 years of experience in administration at Boston College, starting out working for the 'Plex and eventually assuming Director duties. He's been in his current role since 1998 after serving six years as the department's associate athletic director for operations. Kane is a grad of Springfield College.
Eric Ziady, Senior Associate AD for Business Operations -- Ziady came to Boston College from the Northeastern Athletics Department where he served four years as A.D. He is responsible for the department's financial and strategy planning as well as the day-to-day for business and financial operations. Ziady is the one credited with negotiating the six-year, multi-million dollar deal with Under Armour to outfit Boston College's 31 varsity sports. A Providence undergrad, Ziady earned a master's degree in sports management and an MBA degree during his time at Northeastern.
Tom Peters, Senior Associate AD -- Peters was recently promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director in May 2010 and joined the staff in 1992. Prior to BC, Peters was an assistant and interim AD at Tulane. Peters oversees ice hockey, soccer, swimming, fencing and baseball. He's also been charged with the responsibility of running the postseason events BC has hosted, including the 2009 Men's Basketball East Regional and the 1999 and 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball East Region First and Second Rounds. Peters also serves on Hockey East's executive committee. Peters holds a BS and a master's degree from UMass-Amherst.
Jody Mooradian, Senior Associate AD and Sr. Women's Admin -- Mooradian has been with the department the shortest amount of time among DeFilippo's Senior Associate AD, joining the department in 2003. She is tasked with administrative duties over the women's basketball, field hockey, volleyball, cross country, track and field, lacrosse, softball and rowing programs. Prior to BC, Mooradian worked at Northeastern for six years. She earned a bachelor's degree from University of New Hampshire and a J.D. from the Delaware Law School of Widener University ('86).
Again, I don't believe the school will promote from within (wishful thinking?), but the school does go this route, chances are good that one of Gene's Senior Associate ADs gets the job.