Michigan State University (MSU) is currently in the process of identifying potential replacements for their athletic director, Alan Haller, who is departing after nearly four years in the role. Men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo and deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith have been appointed as co-interim athletic directors while the university conducts a search for a permanent replacement.
Based on available information, here are some individuals who have been mentioned as potential candidates, with connections to North Carolina and Virginia:
From North Carolina:
* Bubba Cunningham: The current Athletic Director at the University of North Carolina (UNC). He has held this position since 2011. Prior to UNC, he was the athletic director at the University of Tulsa and Ball State University. Kevin Guskiewicz, the current President of Michigan State University, previously served as the chancellor at UNC and worked closely with Cunningham. Cunningham is a Michigan native, which could be a factor in his consideration.
* Rick Barakat: The Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer at UNC. Given Guskiewicz’s ties to North Carolina, Barakat, who is responsible for revenue generation, could be a potential candidate, especially as improving NIL standing is seen as a key need for MSU.
From Virginia:
* Armani Dawkins: The Deputy Athletics Director for Competitive Excellence at the University of Virginia. She is responsible for ensuring that athletes and coaches have the necessary resources for success. Guskiewicz also has connections to the University of Virginia.
It’s important to note that the search is in its early stages, and these are just potential names being discussed based on connections and experience. The university has engaged the search firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in finding a permanent athletic director, with an emphasis on “innovation, effective communications and community engagement.”
