I think stuff like this was more important in the past. I know we are talking about athletic directors , but take SEC coaches for example. Alot of head coaches use to be players at the school they coached at. As of 2011 , only one coach actually played for his alma mater. That would be Joker Phillips. Around the country it's pretty much the same. Very few. Frank Beamer , Rick Neuheisel , Pat Fitzgerald , Mike Gundy and a few more that I can't name. As far as athletic directors , I'd say the numbers today would be around the same. I think if you can find someone inside the family that is qualified , great! The chances of that are likely slim and in this day and age you hire who is right for the job , or atleast attempt to.