Morrison says he couldn't turn down "extraordinary opportunity"

Danny Morrison said it would be an understatement to say he was surprised when Panthers team owner Jerry Richardson called over the weekend and told him about "an extraordinary opportunity."

In a telephone interview with the Observer this afternoon, Morrison said Richardson was initially sketchy about details, but then offered him the job of team president on Tuesday, after announcing the surprise resignation of sons Jon and Mark Richardson as team and stadium presidents, respectively.

Morrison, who has been Texas Christian's athletic director the past four years, said the Carolina job was one he simply couldn't pass up.

"It's one of those situations where you have a fabulous job already and an incredible opportuntiy to work with a first-class organization," said Morrison. "It's a great challenge to be able to compete in the NFL, which is the best (sports) brand in the world."

Morrison described Jerry Richardson as a personal mentor. They've had a close relationship for years, including when Morrison served as Wofford's athletics director in the mid-1990s when the Panthers first began competing in the NFL and holding training camp at the school in Spartanburg.

"We've had a pretty long relationship, really more from a mentoring standpoint," said Morrison. "You probably know Mr. Richardson is great about writing notes. Every year, it seemed I'd get about two or three notes from him when we did something well here at TCU -- and even before that."

Morrison, 55, said he expected to retire at TCU, but now enters an entirely new realm of athletics. In additon to being in charge of the Panthers' stadium and business operations, he'll represent the club in league matters.

"Mr. Richardson and I talked about that. I was straightforward with him that I haven't had NFL experience," said Morrison. "Obviously, I have a lot to learn. A positive factor is that there's a great staff already in place. It's nice going to an organization where things are already very well run.

"Hopefully, I can learn the Panther way of doing things and contribute in ways to make things even better."

In between his jobs at Wofford and TCU, Morrison served as commissioner of the Southern Conference.

"I've seen athletics from a lot of vantage points. Now I have the opportunity to see them from the vantage point of the very pinnacle of professional sports," he said.

Morrison said he'll likely begin work in his new job in late September after making sure he leaves things in order at TCU.

-- Charles Chandler