Request for advice - Statistics vs. Mathematics Ph.D.

Hi,

I am applying to statistics Ph.D. programs, with the goal of becoming a

statistics profressor. One school I came across offers a "Mathematics
Ph.D with a statistics option". The degree is nominally in Math, but
it is for all intents and purposes a Stats program. I inquired into
it, and the head of the program told me:

"For what it's worth, although the degree says mathematics, the
coursework and thesis are in statistics. Also, when you're done, you'd
be prepared to work in a job that requires a phd in statistics. (That
actually isn't all that uncommon. My own phd is in operations research,

but I'm a statistician.)"

Do you have any thoughts on whether such a degree would affect my
chances of getting a job as a statistics professor (or any job
requiring a Ph.D in statistics)?


Thanks for any feedback,
Dave