JUST IN: Texas A&M athletics director Ross Bjork hired at Ohio State…
Ohio State has appointed Ross Bjork as its new athletics director, ahead of the retirement of longtime AD Gene Smith. Bjork, who spent five years at Texas A&M and eight at Ole Miss, will officially assume the role at Ohio State on July 1.
Ohio State President Ted Carter praised Bjork, noting his impressive track record in athletics, academics, and community involvement. Carter described Bjork as a highly intelligent and effective leader with a competitive spirit, highlighting the high standards at Ohio State.
A 51-year-old veteran in athletic administration, Bjork previously served as the AD at Western Kentucky from 2010-2012 and held roles at Missouri, Miami, and UCLA. He began his career in college athletics as a football player at Emporia State in the early 1990s and later worked as an athletic development officer at WKU in 1996.
Expressing his gratitude, Bjork acknowledged his fortunate journey in college athletics and described joining Ohio State as the culmination of his efforts. He expressed eagerness to be part of Buckeye Nation, embracing the honor and challenge presented by the university’s rich traditions and history of achievement.
Despite his successful career, Bjork has faced controversies, notably overseeing the Ole Miss athletics department during an extensive NCAA investigation that led to significant sanctions against the football program. Additionally, while not directly responsible for hiring football coach Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss or Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, Bjork was involved in Fisher’s lucrative contract extension at the end of the 2020 season, which resulted in a record buyout exceeding $75 million when Fisher was fired in late 2023.
Gene Smith, the outgoing AD, has held the position at Ohio State since 2005, earning recognition as one of the most decorated and esteemed administrators in college sports.
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