Jack's Back | by Pat

Jack Swarbrick will officially be introduced at 12:30 pm today. His introductory press conference will be broadcast on und.com.

In the meantime, more glowing reviews of Swarbrick. ESPN interviewed a few of Swarbrick's friends and past associates and they are unanimous in their praise of him.

Swarbrick is known by his friends and colleagues for his ability to think outside the box. Former president of the Indiana Sports Corporation Sandy Knapp recalls several instances where Swarbrick went above and beyond what was asked of him and motivated others to do the same. Knapp says Swarbrick made every project better because of his innovative style.

"He's really one of the brightest, best thinkers I've ever had the pleasure of working with," said Knapp, now retired, from her home in Austin. "And at the same time, he's so innovative. … It will be very interesting to have him bring that combination to an AD position. I think he'll establish a new standard for the hiring of athletic directors in collegiate sports.

"Someday in the future, Notre Dame will celebrate this day as a real turning point in their athletic program."

Not that you'd expect his friends to be anything less than positive about the hire, but it's still encouraging to read.