Teague scores as finalist for Minnesota job

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)–Could Virginia Commonwealth University Athletics Director Norwood Teague be leaving the university?

Everyone was initially curious about the tenure of Coach Shaka Smart, and the game-plan for the Rams next season, but it looks like there could be some changes in the line-up after-all.

It hasn’t been confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt if the current Ram could be on his way to becoming a Gopher, but the word is definitely out.

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler tweeted around 5:30 p.m. that VCU Athletics Director Norwood Teague is the lone finalist for the vacant Athletics Director job.

VCU AD Norwood Teague announced as #UMN's #Gophers AD Finalist—
Eric W. Kaler (@PrezKaler) April 22, 2012

#UMN #Gophers AD Finalist embodies integrity, leadership & management experience, and a focus on student-athletes—
Eric W. Kaler (@PrezKaler) April 22, 2012

#UMN #Gophers AD Finalist has 20+ years of NCAA experience with VCU, UNC, ASU and UVA—
Eric W. Kaler (@PrezKaler) April 22, 2012

Since taking over the department, Teague has helped steer the men’s basketball program into the national spotlight.

Teague has 20 years plus of experience with the NCAA. Since his tenure at VCU, which began in 2006, he has watched two Rams make first round NBA draft pick—Eric Maynor and Larry Sanders.

The Star Tribune reports that Teague would be hired to turn around the football team at the university. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, reported the paper, that VCU has no football program, yet, Teague has emerged as the finalist among 40 candidates.

The paper also reports that Teague is traveling to the Twin Cities and will spend time Monday meeting with coaches, faculty members and administrators.

An afternoon press conference is expected, with university President Kaler, and Teague, reports the Star Tribune.

CBS 6 has called Teague for a reply, but has not heard back yet.

For his full bio, click here.