KCCI-TV, IA
03/21/06
McDermott To ISU: 'I'm One Of You'
UNI Coach Becomes New ISU Basketball Coach
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University picked University of Northern Iowa's
basketball coach Greg McDermott to head its men's basketball team.
Iowa State University's athletic director Jamie Pollard said he had three
things in mind in his search for a new coach. He wanted the search to be
thorough, efficient and confidential.
Pollard said he wanted the candidate to have a formula for success both
academically and athletically.
Pollard said he wanted someone with "sincere passion" for Cyclone athletics.
Pollard interviewed two candidates -- Rob Jeter of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and
McDermott.
Jeter, who interviewed Monday, said Tuesday morning he will stay at UWMilwaukee.
UNI's assistant men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has been offered the head
coach position at UNI.
McDermott said at Tuesday's pep rally that it was a "heart wrenching decision"
for him. He said he left a special place to come to ISU.
"I'm one of you," he said.
McDermott has signed a six-year contract with ISU.
Pollard fired ISU's men's basketball coach Wayne Morgan last week.
Pollard said many factors played into the decision about Morgan's firing.