Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse chancellor Kent Syverud had the entire English language to chose from when describing the hiring of new athletic director Mark Coyle, and settled for one the world's simplest sentiments.
"It is a happy day," Syverud summarized.
Coyle's welcome to Syracuse, like the welcome of nearly every new hire in the world of college sports, served as a celebration and an opportunity to breathe belief back into an oft-frustrated fan base.
Syracuse officials broke out their finest blue and orange ties to welcome the 10th athletic director in school history, presenting the former Boise State AD with a football jersey embroidered with his name.