News Summary
Alan Haller, the Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Michigan State University, will leave his position after four years. His tenure saw numerous successes for Spartan Athletics, including academic achievements and several athletic championships. With his departure set for May 2025, MSU is beginning the search for a new athletic director while co-interim leaders will take over in the interim. The transition aims to maintain MSU’s competitive edge in both athletics and academia.
East Lansing, Michigan — Michigan State University (MSU) President Kevin M. Guskiewicz has announced that Alan Haller, the Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, will depart from his role after serving four years. Haller’s last day at MSU will be May 11, 2025.
During his tenure, which began in September 2021, Haller led Spartan Athletics to significant achievements, including multiple Big Ten championships in various sports such as men’s basketball, women’s soccer, women’s gymnastics, men’s ice hockey, and women’s cross country. Moreover, under his leadership, several athletic programs made postseason appearances, exemplifying the department’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
In addition to athletic achievements, Haller’s administration has contributed to academic success in the athletic department. In 2024, the department achieved its highest cumulative GPA in history, with an average of 3.4324, showcasing a strong focus on balancing athletics and academics.
Guskiewicz has expressed gratitude for Haller’s leadership and dedication to the university during his time in office. In light of Haller’s upcoming departure, the university will commence a search for a new athletic director, employing the search firm TurnkeyZRG and forming an advisory committee to guide the process.
As the search begins, Jennifer Smith, the current deputy athletic director, and Tom Izzo, the head men’s basketball coach, will serve as co-interim athletic directors. Their leadership will guide the department while a permanent replacement is found. It is worth noting that since 1979, MSU has seen nine athletic directors, with seven having previous ties to the university.
Speculation surrounding potential candidates for the open athletic director position has emerged. Prominent names include Bubba Cunningham, the current athletic director at North Carolina, who has longstanding connections to Guskiewicz. Cunningham has held his position at North Carolina since 2011 and was named Athletic Director of the Year in 2020. He also has ties to Flint, Michigan, and is an alumnus of Notre Dame.
Another candidate under consideration is UNC’s Senior Associate Athletic Director Dwight Hollier, who has been associated with the university since 2018. Hollier has worked closely with Guskiewicz, further establishing his potential suitability for the role.
A critical aspect of the search will be the focus on enhancing fundraising efforts and improving donor relations, which Guskiewicz has emphasized as a priority for the next athletic director. The newly appointed individual will face various challenges, including attracting power conference transfers and high school recruits—a responsibility that will be vital for the evolution of the MSU athletic program. Moreover, the new director will need to navigate the complexities of college athletics, including the financial implications of regulations surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
In recent developments, the MSU athletic department has approved the “Spartan Gateway District” project, which will introduce new facilities for several sports, aiming to enhance the overall athletic experience for both athletes and fans alike.
The departure of Haller is notable, especially considering his significant ties to MSU; he was involved in key hires and successes across various sports during his tenure. The transition period ahead will be essential for MSU as it seeks to maintain momentum and build on the successes achieved under Haller’s leadership. Faced with evolving demands and expectations, the next athletic director will be central in shaping the future of Michigan State Athletics, ensuring that it remains competitive, both on the field and academically.
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HERE Resources
Michigan State University Athletic Director Alan Haller to Depart
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Alan Haller Steps Down as Athletic Director at MSU
Alan Haller Steps Down as MSU Athletic Director
Additional Resources
- WILX: Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller Parts Ways
- Wikipedia: Michigan State Spartans
- Free Press: Michigan State Athletic Director Candidates
- Google Search: Alan Haller Michigan State
- MLive: Challenges for Next Athletic Director
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Athletics
- WXYZ: Alan Haller Leaving MSU
- Google News: Michigan State Athletic Director
- Up North Live: Michigan State Athletic Director Leaving
