Scott Woodward introduced as Texas A&M's next athletic director

See the videos above for the entirety of new Texas A&M athletic director Scott Woodward's introductory press conference, followed by a specific cut-out of Woodward's speech.

Michael K. Young
“I firmly believe athletics is an integral part of the academic (experience). I know Scott shares that belief. If you know anything about Scott, it should be that he has an exceptionally well-rounded background … at the University of Washington and at Louisiana State University as well.

“He played a remarkable role in the upgrading of the university’s football stadium … what impressed me even more were the tremendous advancements he made toward improving the academic success of our athletes. Not to be overlooked, and of some importance to all of us here, during Scott’s tenure there they had seven national championships and multiple Pac-12 titles.

“He’ll be a great addition to our Aggie Family, elevating our position in the SEC. So, it’s with great pleasure for me to be able to introduce Scott Woodward as our new Director of Athletics at Texas A&M.”

On his relationship with Woodward…

“Scott and I worked really closely together at the University of Washington. He was part of my senior cabinet and he will be here as well. In that context I learned the integrity and reliability of this man. I knew what I needed to know in terms of athletics. Like him I’m not a micromanager; with him I knew I always knew what I needed to know. I deeply appreciated his wisdom and common sense, the ability to look at problems and put them in a larger university context in a way that is responsible and meshes with multiple agendas a university has.”

On whether it was completely his decision…

“It was, indeed. I appreciate the media reports that other people were involved in the decision, and I certainly consult multiple people in everything I do, but this very much was my decision. This was a decision that was solely the University’s decision and has been from the very beginning.”

On Eric Hyman…

“Eric did a lot of really good things here, and i really want to make sure that I emphasize that. We moved into what is by any standard the most challenging conference, the most physical conference in the nation, with great elegance and success in a variety of sports, and let athletes leave also as great students. He deserves enormous credit for that. I want to make sure that’s clear on the record.

“He and I had a series of conversations over the past couple weeks about directions I wanted to take the athletic program and things (flowed from that).”

Scott Woodward
“First of all, Howdy. I know I have to work on the delivery. Tracy in Mike’s office says I have the multiple-syllabic thing going already. Good to see you Pat Henry, an old friend. Thank you President Young … for an opportunity to join Texas A&M University. I do want to thank the incredible men and women at the University of Washington, which I’ve called home for the last 11 years. … I want to thank my wife and my sons, I know they all look forward to being Aggies.

“When President Young reached out to gauge my interest in this job, I thought about where I was in my career. What Texas A&M provides is opportunity — to achieve excellence across the board, to recruit great young men and women, to help shape intercollegiate athletics on the national level. … What makes a university great is not just a USNWR ranking, or … even the championships won on the field. What makes a university great are its people — the 12th Man, the real 12th Man, not the one ripped off in Seattle. People want to be part of something big, and that’s what we’re going to aspire to do at Texas A&M University.

“We will win here, but we’ll do so with class, integrity and honor. We’ll represent Texas A&M the right way. Thank you President Young, and all you coming out to support. … Gig ‘em!”

On determining factors in coming to A&M…

“As President Young mentioned in his kind remarks to me, being part of something special in a big, global way. This institution being at the highest level, what we call the AAU, and obviously the Southeastern Conference, the greatest conference in athletics, that’s rare air. It’s good to come to a place where the people are so passionate and care so much. … I remember being in different places and seeing that ring, and it means something to people. That’s part of what it is. It’s just great being back in this part of the world. That had a lot to do with it.”

On when he was first contacted about the position…

“President Young and I had a great relationship at the University of Washington and when he came down here, he and I would talk about a number of things … joke around, like, ‘Hey, maybe our paths will cross again.’ But we didn’t get serious about it until a week or two ago.”

On what his expectations for involvement with football are…

“Obviously, at a university all of our sports matter. They’re our children and we care about all our student-athletes and coaches. But my management style is I really try to pay attention to our two revenue sports, football and mens’ basketball, and be involved in a positive way. We want to help them and benefit them in the best way possible.”

On any previous relationship with Kevin Sumlin and his first task…

“I know Coach Sumlin, he came and visited our program at the University of Washington when he was at the University of Houston. I know him casually, but I’m looking forward to sitting down and talking with him.

“First thing is to sit down and listen and learn, what we need to do and how we need to improve to do the things we want to do. I like to steal the Hippocratic Oath — ‘Do no harm’ — and I want to let us continue to do what we do in the right way, but also add value from an administrative standpoint. How can we help you as a program and as a student-athlete to do what you want to do?”

On being an LSU alum leading to any conflicts of interest, and whether he was looking to get to an SEC school…

“Not necessarily (looking to get to an SEC school), because it has to be the right fit and right leadership. All these things have to align for me personally. You can ask Pat Henry, he’ll have the same conversation — you don’t have mixed emotions, you want to beat them worse. That’ll be a very easy task for me.”

“I have not spoken to any coaches yet, but I will. It’s not going to be evaluation — they’re our coaches. It’s going to be, ‘Hey, how can we help you, how can we add value as administrators, to give you the best opportunity to win championships?’ And, ‘How can we treat our student-athletes better?’ We need to not only do it but stay vigilant about it because this SEC West is a gauntlet. We have to improve in every way we possibly can.”

On whether he anticipates any other changes in the AD…

“No, I haven’t even started yet or vetted anyone. I look forward to doing so; when I get here, I’ll begin that process of talking to everyone — coaches, student-athletes and our entire staff.”