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ESPN: Georgia Tech AD J Batt named new athletic director at Michigan State

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko06/01/25nickkosko59
USATSI_21698830 (1)
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech AD J Batt was named the new athletic director at Michigan State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He replaces Alan Haller, who was let go in May.

“Sources: Georgia Tech athletic director J Batt is expected to become the next athletic director at Michigan State,” Thamel wrote on Twitter. “He’s emerged as the target, and a deal is expected to come together in the near future. Batt has been the athletic director at Georgia Tech since October of 2022 and emerged as transformative fundraiser and revenue generator for Tech athletics. He promoted Brent Key to head football coach and hired Damon Stoudamire in men’s basketball.

“Batt fits the profile Michigan State was targeting, which was someone to raise money and modernize the athletic department. He’ll replace Alan Haller, who was let go nearly a month ago.”

Batt was named the AD at Georgia Tech in 2022 after serving as the Deputy Athletic Director at Alabama from 2017-22. He was also the associate AD at East Carolina from 2013-17.

As Thamel pointed out, Batt was hired by Michigan State to modernize the athletic department. In an NIL world, the Spartans are seemingly behind the eight-ball but can quickly catch up with Batt at the helm.

He was key to raising funds at Georgia Tech and managed to make solid hires in football (Brent Key) and basketball (Damon Stoudamire).

MSU deputy athletic director and senior women’s administrator/compliance Jen Smith and MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo served as the school’s interim athletic directors before Batt. Now, he’s set to take over full time.

Haller and Michigan State had a five-year contract, which was set to expire on Sept. 1, 2026. According to the Detroit Free Press, the two sides were in negotiations about Haller’s buyout. Michigan State president Kevin M. Guskiewicz released a statement on the school’s decision.

“I’m grateful for Alan’s leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership,” Guskiewicz said. “He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity.”