Jan 12, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Ja’Quan Newton (0) takes a shot against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Watsco Center. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeat the Miami Hurricanes 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
4. Sam Jankovich
Jankovic was the Miami Athletic Director from 1983-1990 and oversaw arguably the greatest era in school history. Under Jankovic’s leadership, the Hurricanes won three National Championships in Football and one in baseball and women’s golf.
He was responsible for the hirings of National Championship football coaches Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson. He also helped restart the basketball program after a 14-year hiatus. Jankovic hired former Clemson Coach Bill Foster (not to be confused with the former Duke and Northwestern Coach of the same name) to restart the basketball program.
Under Jankovic’s leadership, the athletic department saw annual gifts rise from $750,000 in 1982 to $3 million in 1990. He also oversaw the building of numerous major sports facilities. These including the Knight Sports Complex, the Tom Kearns UM Hall of Fame Building, the Golden Cane Football office building, the Ron Fraser Baseball building the Neal Schiff Tennis Center.
Jankovic also served as the President of NCAA Division IA Athletic Directors and would eventually become Chief Executive Officer of the New England Patriots and the President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League.