Maryland Terrapins hire former MLB exec as Director of Athletics
Maryland Terrapins hire former MLB exec as Director of Athletics
The year of changes for the University of Maryland continues with more moves within the leadership of their athletic department. After a highly public split from men's basketball coach Kevin Willard and the hiring of charismatic Buzz Williams, more changes have come.
Maryland has announced that James E. Smith, a former Major League Baseball executive, will be taking over as the university's new Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, effective May 15, 2025.
The hiring comes after a search was conducted to replace Damon Evans, who was part of the public separation that the university was handling. Smith has now given Maryland their new leader to help the athletic programs continue to develop.
Smith joins Maryland after an impressive career that has seen him work with Ohio State and the Atlanta Braves in leadership capacities. While with the Braves, he has worked to help their brand and marketing strategies grow, which has helped Atlanta land the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
"Jim is a proven and exceptional talent who has excelled in a variety of professional sports organizations. He will be a wonderful addition to the Big Ten Athletic Director group and I look forward to working with him," Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said about the hire.
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