Purdue’s new athletic director did not exactly make the best first impression in his introductory press conference.
The Boilermakers introduced Tommy McClelland to the media on Thursday, and his initial prepared statement included a jab at rival Indiana that did not exactly land.
“Every recruit and every current student-athlete will hear this message repeatedly: we are here to win championships,” McClelland said. “If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.”
Already less than impressed with Purdue’s new athletic director hire.
— Nick Yeoman (@NYeoman) August 6, 2026
Why????
Why in god’s name would you say this?
Do you realize how dumb this makes you look??? pic.twitter.com/UAcyiXwZ9I
There is, of course, a big problem with McClelland’s comment. Indiana just won a championship in college football. Curt Cignetti remains the hottest coach in America, and has made it very clear that his sights are set on winning again. In contrast, Purdue’s football team has gone 7-29 over the last three seasons. Their basketball team has been a lot more relevant, but it’s not as if the Hoosiers are lacking in history in that sport, either.
Perhaps the most painful part of this is that McClelland was reading from prepared remarks. Either someone forgot that Indiana is a defending champion or he thought the line was just that good. If that was the case, he seems to have misread the reception he was going to get.
McClelland previously spent three seasons as athletic director at Rice. He replaces Mark Bobinski, who retired from the job at Purdue in June.
