One of the most powerful athletic directors in college athletics will soon be retiring from their post.
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announced Wednesday that he will retire on June 30, 2024. For the university, it will represent another significant change in leadership. Earlier this year, Ohio State saw President Kristina Johnson resign from her position at the end of the 2022-2023 academic year after the Ohio State’s board of trustees requested she do so.
The university is currently still searching for Johnson’s successor. After they find their next president, the university will quickly begin looking for Gene Smith’s successor.
Smith has been the athletic director at Ohio State since taking over the position in 2005. He was also the athletic director in his career at Eastern Michigan, Iowa State, and Arizona State. During his time with Ohio State, Smith became one of the most influential people in college athletics, having a heavy influence in the Big Ten and nationally.
During his tenure in Columbus, he has seen his athletic department win 32 team national championships and 117 individual national championships.
While Ohio State will likely continue to be a national power across the college sports landscape no matter who they hire as their next athletic director, the loss of Smith for Ohio State and Big Ten could not be overstated.
The relationship between a president, athletic director, and head coaches of athletics teams is also significant for overall success. In the future, It will be intriguing to see how Ohio State’s head coaches, especially head football coach Ryan Day, ultimately align with the university’s next president and athletic director.