At his introductory press conference Thursday, Maryland athletic director Jim Smith quoted former President John F. Kennedy, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and the present are certain to miss the future.”
As college athletics rapidly evolves, schools are navigating name, image and likeness rights, a busy transfer portal and the pending House vs. NCAA settlement that could introduce revenue sharing with student-athletes. Smith said he values how change can create opportunities for growth.
The growth Maryland experiences under his leadership will ultimately define his tenure. Smith discussed his new role, the shifting college athletics landscape and how revenue sharing could shape the future.
“We’re going to focus on revenue because — make no mistake about it —to compete with the caliber of schools not just in the Big Ten but across the country, we must increase our revenues,” Smith said. “[I’ll be] taking new approaches, applying what I’ve learned from professional leagues and bringing them to college athletics.
Smith’s hire concluded a lengthy national search to fill the role after former athletic director Damon Evans departed for Southern Methodist University in March. University of Maryland president Darryll Pines thanked interim athletic director Colleen Sorem for her leadership during that time, which included hiring men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams.
Pines said this university aimed to hire someone who could lead Maryland through a pivotal time in college sports.
[UMD names James E. Smith as new Maryland athletic director]
“At each stop in his career, Jim has delivered rapid growth, increased engagement and enhanced operations,” Pines said. “His unwavering dedication to student-athlete health, well-being and academic success are also a testament to his character and strong foundation that will continue for our Terps to succeed.”
Smith comes to Maryland after spending the last five years as the senior vice president of business strategy with the Atlanta Braves. He also spent four years as the president and chief executive officer of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, more than a decade working in marketing with the Atlanta Falcons and four years as the president and general manager of Columbus Crew SC.
When referencing Maryland’s bottom-tier revenue in the Big Ten, Smith pointed to his experience with the Falcons when the team ranked near the bottom of the NFL in revenue. He acknowledged that turning things around didn’t happen overnight, but said he’s excited to explore the opportunity to elevate Maryland’s financial standing.
Pines said revenue generation was a major focus during the search process. The university president also added that Smith thinks the athletic department has outperformed expectations and he can improve the financial foundation and elevate performance even further.
“It takes a commitment of focus, just like coaching, if you’re committed in your focus to the goals you will achieve,” Smith said. “There’s no silver bullet from going toward the bottom of the Big Ten to the top of the Big Ten from revenue, but there’s a lot of opportunity here, and I am really excited to explore the opportunity.”
