The new Purdue University athletic director just put on a masterclass of what not to do on your first day.
On Thursday, August 6, Tommy McClelland was introduced as Purdue University’s new AD. And on Thursday, August 6… it’s very possible that Purdue regrets making that decision. Why do I say that? Because to put things succinctly, McClelland – the man chosen to lead Purdue’s athletic programs into the future – made an a** of himself during his introductory press conference.
I don’t blame him for trying to set the tone on his first day. But I do blame him for seemingly not doing his homework, and calling out Purdue’s rival, Indiana, for not winning championships:
“Every recruit and every student athlete will hear this message repeatedly. We are here to win championships. If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.”
Hey buddy… your biggest rival in Indiana JUST WON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LAST YEAR. In fact, Curt Cignetti and his team put together one of the best seasons of college football the world has ever seen. Somehow, Purdue’s new AD, Tommy McClelland, must have been the only person on the planet to not see it.
And to add to that, Purdue has only ever won three national championships across all of their athletic programs. Their last came in 2010, when the women’s golf team at Purdue won a natty. In 1999, the women’s basketball team claimed a national championship, and prior to that, the men’s golf team established themselves as the top team in the country… in 1961.
Indiana boasts 25 total national championships won, with their most recent obviously being the 2026 season, when the football program went 16-0. In other words… McClelland better turn around all of his programs quickly to catch up with the Hoosiers.
As you would imagine, he’s getting blasted online for his idiotic comment calling out Purdue’s in-state foe:
Maybe the only time in history that you can’t get away with saying this
— steven🧊 (@imstevenn_) August 6, 2026
I think he meant to say “If you WANT to win championships, go to Indiana
— Hack City (@HackCityPod) August 6, 2026
Say what? pic.twitter.com/jHLBInC6Qd
— JWadventurerama (@JWadventurerama) August 6, 2026
— Underwood Leashed (@Underwood_szn) August 6, 2026
what a weird thing to say about the most recent cfb national champion
— Blue Lot Bleacher Bum (@BlueLotBum) August 6, 2026
Was he recently in a coma?
— Alex P (@alexppard) August 6, 2026
He has that lack of self-awareness that makes him perfect for Purdue.
— Boneyardigans (@UConnFanDotCom) August 6, 2026
I’m a Purdue fan, but IU just won the biggest college championship less than a year ago. What is he talking about lol
— D (@equinoxf0x) August 6, 2026
Yeah, thanks for spelling that out for everybody.
