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University of Maryland Names Jim Smith as New Athletic Director

Smith, a seasoned sports executive from the Atlanta Braves, is set to lead Maryland's athletics program starting July 15, navigating financial challenges and Big Ten competition.

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Towson at University of Maryland football. A runner carries a Maryland flag on the field during a break in the game's first quarter. Sept. 2, 2023
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Overview

  • Jim Smith, previously the Atlanta Braves' senior vice president for business strategy, has been confirmed as Maryland's next athletic director.
  • Smith brings a blend of professional and collegiate sports experience, including roles with the Atlanta Falcons, Columbus Crew, and Ohio State University.
  • He will officially assume the position on July 15, succeeding interim AD Colleen Sorem, who led the search process with an 11-member committee and Turnkey search firm.
  • University of Maryland President Darryll Pines emphasized Smith's expertise in revenue generation and his vision for guiding the athletics program through a transformative era.
  • Smith inherits a department facing fiscal pressures, coaching transitions, and the challenges of competing in the evolving landscape of Big Ten athletics.