All articles tagged with #athletic director
Jim Polzin argues that Wisconsin’s hiring of former Nebraska deputy athletic director Shawn Eichorst as athletic director is a safe, familiar choice that could provide short-term stability, but it likely offers little relief from deeper issues facing UW athletics and may not address broader concerns about the hiring process or long-term performance.
Brian White officially started as Virginia Tech’s athletic director, outlining a vision focused on fan experiences and entertainment while boosting revenue to fund top programs, under a five-year, $1.6 million-per-year contract.
Kentucky announced J Batt as its new athletic director and CEO of Champions Blue, signaling a revenue-forward, fan-inclusive plan to lead UK Athletics with dual-sport excellence in basketball and football. Batt stressed accelerating changes in college athletics, improving gameday experiences, and sustaining UK’s “destination” status, while summer basketball practice began with a few standouts noted and Kam Williams sidelined by a foot injury. Kentucky also announced seven non-conference home games for 2026-27 and began pursuing 2028 recruits, including Erick Dampier Jr. In other sports updates, a World Cup draw saw Cape Verde upset Spain 0-0, and Pardon My Take is set to host KSR today.
Kentucky’s new athletic director J Batt sits down with Matt Jones for a Zoom interview to outline why UK is a destination job, his focus on boosting revenue through Champions Blue and other streams, and the plan to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics. Batt emphasizes Kentucky’s structure, scale, and passionate fan base as assets that can be leveraged to fund basketball and football simultaneously, while stressing the need for every fan to contribute in some way and pledging a long-term commitment to the program and its championship standard.
Kentucky announced the hiring of Michigan State athletic director J Batt as its new AD and CEO of Champions Blue, prompting MSU to search for an interim leader amid ongoing leadership turnover. Batt’s year at MSU saw the creation of Spartan Ventures, a major fundraising push for athletics, a stadium renovation plan, and a high-profile coaching change, all set against a backdrop of tensions between MSU leadership and the board.
Kentucky hired J Batt as its athletic director and CEO of Champions Blue, moving from Michigan State after just over a year; MSU is searching for a new leader as President Kevin Guskiewicz heads to Clemson, and Batt's MSU contract included a buyout trigger tied to that departure. Separately, MSU announced a 10-year jersey-patch deal with MSUFCU to boost revenue and fund student-athlete programming.
Rocket Classic Tournament Director Mark Hollis told AP he would be interested in Michigan State’s athletic director job after Kentucky hired J Batt.
Kentucky is set to hire Michigan State athletic director J Batt to replace retiring Mitch Barnhart; Batt is a premier fundraiser who previously led Alabama's revenue operations and a $600 million capital campaign, helped MSU grow its athletic revenue, and is credited with initiatives like Spartan Ventures and hiring Pat Fitzgerald as Spartans' head football coach, with Kentucky hoping his track record will bolster revenue and facilities to support its rosters and programs.
Kentucky appears close to naming its next athletic director, with Michigan State’s J Batt emerging as the top candidate per Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger. Batt, a veteran administrator with SEC and power-conference experience (including roles at Alabama, Georgia Tech, and Michigan State), would bring a track record of leading searches and program operations as UK seeks to replace Mitch Barnhart.
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh is stepping down to become deputy commissioner for strategy at the Big Ten, leaving Wisconsin to search for a new AD. The move shifts McIntosh from campus leadership to a conference-level role focused on media, revenue, NIL policy, and partnerships, following his tenure that included hiring Luke Fickell and guiding success across multiple Wisconsin programs.
LSU has officially promoted Verge Ausberry from interim to permanent athletic director, with the decision made by new president Wade Rousse on his first day. Ausberry, a long-time LSU associate and former player, is also leading the search for a new football coach following the firing of Brian Kelly.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward resigned under pressure following the firing of football coach Brian Kelly and political interference from Governor Jeff Landry, amid ongoing tensions over coaching decisions and university leadership.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward resigned after the firing of football coach Brian Kelly, amid political pressure and controversy over the university's leadership and financial liabilities, including large buyouts for previous coaches. Verge Ausberry will serve as interim athletic director as LSU searches for a new coach and president.
Scott Woodward has stepped down as LSU's athletic director amid public criticism from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, following the firing of football coach Brian Kelly; Verge Ausberry will serve as interim athletic director, and LSU plans to hold a news conference to discuss the change.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has a long-standing feud with LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, fueled by disagreements over LSU's athletic decisions and political differences. Recently, Landry criticized Woodward for firing coach Brian Kelly and the resulting $54 million buyout, reflecting ongoing tensions and personal vendettas.