“We respectfully disagree with Dr. Lapchick’s assertion that this is the ‘worst report card … in many years.’

“Many athletics directors and other administrators are making the right decisions with their recent hires, and we are encouraged by this progress.

“For example, there will be nine head coaches of color in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for 2009—the highest number ever. This compares to just three FBS head coaches of color in 2007.

“We are definitely on the road to improvement. And while we have not yet turned the corner, we can at least see it in the distance.”