Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith has announced his retirement after serving at the university for over 35 years. Smith, who has been in the role since 2005, will officially step down on June 30, 2024. With an impressive career trajectory, Smith has held athletic director positions at esteemed institutions such as Arizona State, Iowa State, and Eastern Michigan.
The search for a new athletic director will commence once the university announces its next president. This process will undoubtedly be crucial for Ohio State, as Smith’s leadership has been instrumental in the university’s success. Under his tenure, the Buckeyes have secured an impressive 32 team national championships and a remarkable 117 individual national championships. Among their triumphs is the notable victory in the 2014 College Football Playoff.
Smith’s retirement holds historical significance as he is Ohio State’s first-ever Black athletic director. When he initially took on the role at Eastern Michigan, he was one of only three minority athletic directors in the country. His accomplishments have paved the way for more diversity and representation in collegiate athletics.
During his time at Ohio State, Smith faced numerous challenges and triumphs. Navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be one of the most difficult periods. Additionally, Smith had to tackle the 2011 NCAA investigation into the football program. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the university and its athletes.
Interestingly, Smith’s retirement announcement coincided with the news of Oregon and Washington joining the Big Ten conference in 2024. This move came after the Pac-12 failed to secure a rights deal with Apple TV and the departure of Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to the Big 12.
In a statement, Smith emphasized that his retirement is motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family. Although changes are occurring in the landscape of college sports, Smith clarified that these factors did not play a role in his decision to retire.
As Ohio State bids farewell to its esteemed athletic director, the university will embark on a new chapter in its athletic department’s leadership. With Smith’s retirement on the horizon and the changing dynamics of college sports, the coming years are bound to bring excitement and new opportunities for Ohio State and its athletic programs.
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