SU Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross enjoys the post-game autograph session at the annual Spring Football game.
Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z
8/14/2005 9:30:07 PM | Football
The Syracuse football program is headed in a new direction this season, and it all starts with the new Director of Athletics, Dr. Daryl Gross. Gross comes to Syracuse University after spending the last 14 years at the University of Southern California. Be part of the growing excitement every day leading up to SU’s first game (Sept. 4 vs. West Virginia) with our Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z.
Gross enjoyed much success during his 14 years in athletic administration at USC. The Trojans won 16 national and more than 30 Pac-10 championships, fielded 145 Olympians, and finished almost every year in the top 10 of the Sears Directors’ Cup all-sport rankings.
Among Gross’ most important duties at USC was identifying top coaching talent. In 2001, Gross led the effort to sign longtime NFL coach Pete Carroll, who is now 42-9 with two national championships, four bowl appearances, and has produced two Heisman Trophy winners. Gross’ searches have also produced women’s volleyball coach Mick Haley, track and field coach Ron Allice, and men’s and women’s water polo coach Jovan Vavic, all of whom have won national championships and been named national coach of the year in their respective sports.
His football experience is not just limited to the USC athletic administrative office. While earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of California at Davis, Gross played wide receiver for two years. From 1982 to 1985, he was part of the UC Davis football coaching staff. In 1985, he helped UC Davis become the nation’s No. 1 Division II football team. In 1986 and 1987, Gross was a grad assistant at USC and worked with quarterbacks and wide receivers. From 1989 to 1991, he was a personal scout for the New York Jets.
Syracuse opens the 2005 season on Sunday, September 4 against West Virginia. The game kicks off at 1:30 and will be televised nationally on ABC.
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