This was a day when there was a lot of material to pass along with the hiring of Scott Woodward as the permanent AD (here's our most up-to-date story on that), and sometimes when that happens, some of the key stuff can get lost in the shuffle.

So as far as the football program goes, let's review some of the more relevant news of the day:

--- We obviously now know who will make the final call on Tyrone Willingham. And the good news for all concerned is that it is someone who has been around the program for a while, who knows the ins and outs of what has gone on, and not somebody who would be rushed in here to suddenly try to judge all that in just a couple of months. Whatever decision is reached at the end of the season, it won't be able to be criticized for lack of information or knowledge of what has gone on.

--- There will be no mid-season firing. Woodward said that such a move would only be made under extraordinary circumstances, such as a player revolt or something, which he basically said don't exist here. So Willingham will apparently get the full season no matter what happens.

--- At the end of the year, it will be either change or extension. Woodward said that what he won't likely do is simply let Willingham finish out the fifth year of his deal. Instead, UW will make a move one way or the other to bring clarity to the situation. That was to be expected --- recruiting is already getting dicey due to the uncertainty --- but Woodward's official hiring today and his statement to that effect make it more clear where this is headed.

--- Willingham was at the press conference when it began, but he was gone when it ended so reporters could not ask him his reaction. He did, however, release this statement later:

"It is exciting to now have a leader and a direction for our department. Scott's passion for football is clearly evident but his dedication extends to all our athletic teams. He has experience with some outstanding programs, which have benefited from his leadership and high level of expectation. Our time together has been positive and I look forward to continuing to work with him.''

--- Since I was still up there, I stopped by practice briefly and there wasn't much to report. Woodward was there getting congratulations from the coaches. Alamada Ta'amu was there but not in full pads and not practicing. Not sure his situation --- Willingham will talk with reporters tomorrow. Johnie Kirton was also not there, meaning he has not been there at the start of practice, anyway, for the last two days. Also not visible were the previously injured players such as Byron Davenport and Victor Aiyewa. Darin Harris was not in pads, as well. The only player in red appeared to be Tripper Johnson (I say apparently since they don't wear their regular numbers on the red jerseys, but it appeared to be him). There didn't appear to be any new injuries. Ed Donatell was overseeing some linebacker drills involving swim moves and escaping blocks along with LB coach Chris Tormey.

--- The Seattlest has this quick take on the Woodward hiring.

All for now.