Ohio Athletic Director Gene Smith Announces End of Tenure in 2024

Under the leadership of Gene Smith, Ohio State's athletic programs flourished, securing nine national titles. Most notable was the victory over Oregon with a 42-20 win on January 12, 2015, marking the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship. The legacy of Smith's leadership is stamped on more than just the football field.

The Buckeyes have clinched 32 teams and 117 individual national championships during Smith's tenure, and the impressive list includes victories in men's volleyball, wrestling, and a top accolade for women's hockey in 2022.

Smith, a recognized figure in collegiate sports, has also played pivotal roles on numerous NCAA boards and committees. His leadership saw Ohio State transform, placing a higher emphasis on holistic student-athlete development. "That means so much to me," Smith once shared, referring to the emphasis on nurturing both the academic and athletic capabilities of the students.

An Era of Change and Evolution

While always in flux, the landscape of collegiate athletics has faced monumental shifts and realignments during Smith's tenure, painting a backdrop of constant evolution. One can't help but parallel Smith's journey at Ohio State to a well-crafted narrative punctuated with significant milestones, such as the incorporation of Oregon and Washington into the Big Ten.

Such transitions, while remarkable, are often accompanied by intricate negotiations and deep reflections on the essence of collegiate camaraderie and rivalry.

Amid these overarching changes, Smith also held an influential presence on individual decisions within the university. Before his retirement announcement, the departure of Kristina M. Johnson as president marked another pivotal moment in Ohio State's history.

Given his vast experience with Ohio State and his previous roles at Arizona State, Iowa State, and Eastern Michigan, Smith brings a reservoir of knowledge. He's uniquely positioned to advise on navigating both the vast terrains of athletic realignment and the intimate intricacies of institutional leadership.

Reflecting on Personal Decisions

The decision to retire was a profound one for Smith. Throughout his 60s, discussions about retirement would surface during conversations with his wife, Sheila. Year after year, Smith's passion for his job kept him anchored. But this summer, the decision crystallized. He recalls a moment with his wife, "This summer, Sheila and I sat down, and she was asking me a million questions, and I just said, 'It's time.'"

The journey has been a fulfilling 19-year stint with Ohio State for Smith, who will retire effective June 30, 2024. Before joining the Buckeyes in 2005, he held the position of athletic director at Arizona State, with previous engagements at Iowa State and Eastern Michigan.

Following Smith's announcement, there has been an increased buzz and speculation around the future of the Buckeyes. With such a significant leadership change, fans and sports enthusiasts eagerly await how the team will fare in the upcoming seasons.

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An Advocate for Diversity

Smith's impact extends beyond athletic accomplishments. He has mentored numerous individuals in a sector that historically lacked diversity. Many of his protégés have ascended to significant roles. Their collective voices echo a sentiment of profound gratitude and respect for Smith.

The journey wasn't always smooth, Smith recalls. As one of the first minority athletic directors, Smith faced challenges and prejudices. "There were a lot of rooms that I walked into in the '80s and early '90s where there were people in the room that didn't want me there." But with the support of allies and his unwavering commitment, he charted a path many now look up to.

Navigating Challenges

Gene Smith's 19-year tenure at Ohio State is emblematic of the soaring triumphs and the profound tribulations that test the very ethos of leadership. Few moments encapsulate the challenges as vividly as in 2011 and 2018.

2011 Tattoo-and-Memorabilia Scandal

In 2011, Ohio State was thrust into the national spotlight, not for its achievements on the field, but for a scandal that became synonymous with college sports controversy: the tattoo-and-memorabilia scandal. At its core, the issue involved players trading championship rings, jerseys, and awards for tattoos, which contravene NCAA rules.

The fallout was significant. One of its most immediate and notable consequences was the resignation of the celebrated football coach, Jim Tressel. While it's easy to focus on the administrative and reputational ramifications, Smith, always attuned to the human element of leadership, regarded this period as especially "painful" for the student-athletes.

However, Smith's leadership during this time wasn’t characterized by evasion or finger-pointing. Instead, he focused on restoration, taking measures to ensure that student-athletes understood the nuances of NCAA regulations and, more importantly, that they recognized the broader implications of their decisions beyond the sports arena.

2018 Zach Smith Incident

Just as the shadows of the 2011 scandal were receding, 2018 brought another tempest in the form of the Zach Smith incident. This event, involving allegations against the then-assistant coach, culminated in his firing, suspensions, and intense scrutiny.

Smith found himself at the heart of this crisis, addressing the immediate concerns and reflecting on the deeper cultural and ethical issues within the athletic department.

Reflecting on these challenges, it becomes evident that Smith's legacy at Ohio State is not just about the successes achieved but also about the grace and humility displayed during the most trying times.

The Future and Beyond

As the curtains start to close on his remarkable journey at Ohio State, Smith believes he is leaving the university in a stronger position. Ryan Day, who will enter his fifth season as Ohio State's football coach, expressed his gratitude, lauding Smith's leadership, grace, and immense contributions.

While speculations about Smith's future engagements swirl, his focus remains on Ohio State, ensuring a seamless transition and perhaps heeding the advice of his wife Sheila.