Maryland Names Jim Smith New Athletic Director, Targets Revenue Growth

Jim Smith has been appointed as the new athletic director at the University of Maryland, bringing extensive experience from professional sports organizations such as the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Ohio State University. His primary focus is on increasing revenue to help Maryland compete with top programs in the Big Ten and nationwide, acknowledging the university's current financial challenges including low revenue generation and budget deficits. Smith plans to implement innovative strategies for fundraising and revenue generation, drawing on lessons from his time in professional sports, and aims to support the football and basketball programs through improved financial resources. He emphasized the commitment and loyalty of Maryland's coaches and staff, expressing his own dedication to the university's success amid significant changes in college athletics including NIL, conference realignment, and media rights. Smith was inspired by former Maryland athletic director Andy Geiger and is ready to lead with integrity and bold vision to elevate Maryland athletics. His hiring comes after a turbulent period for the department marked by departures of key figures, and he has received support from prominent Maryland ambassadors like ESPN's Scott Van Pelt.