Boston College officially announces hiring of Blake James as new athletic director

Boston College officially announced the hire of new athletic director Blake James on Wednesday morning via press release. The potential for the move was first reported by multiple outlets on Tuesday after it became clear that the was the primary target of the school.

Before accepting the Boston College athletic director position, Blake James formerly held the same position at Miami, and before that Maine. He recently split with Miami amid widespread turnover at the school, but led the program to multiple ACC and NCAA championships across multiple sports from 2013-2021.

While serving his role with the Hurricanes in the ACC, James also became a well-respected member of the NCAA leadership group. He served on the NCAA Board of Directors and NCAA Board of Governors from 2017-19, as well as the NCAA Student Athlete Experience Committee and NCAA Football Oversight Committee. The athletic director also served as chairman of the NCAA Division I Council, along with many ACC leadership positions.

Boston College hires Blake James

In addition to the announcement that Boston College would hire Blake James as its next athletic director, the press release included brief statements from key figures including the school president.

“Blake brings extensive experience, understands the issues facing intercollegiate athletics today, and is committed to BC’s mission,” said President William Leahy. “I look forward to welcoming him to Boston College.”

James expressed his excitement for the future of Boston College as he takes over the new role in a familiar place.

“It is truly an honor to join the Boston College family as the William V. Campbell Director of Athletics,” said James. “I am grateful to Fr. Leahy for the opportunity to lead the Eagles and for his confidence in me and in our shared vision for BC Athletics. We will strive for excellence in all of our pursuits in alignment with our Jesuit values. We will compete for championships with integrity, with incredible young men and women, and talented and compassionate coaches and staff supporting their journeys.

“Having lived in New England for eight years, our family is thrilled to return to the region and to immerse ourselves into the Boston College community. My wife, Kelly, and I cannot wait to come to Chestnut Hill in the coming weeks, and we look forward to our children⁠—Haley and Ryan⁠—visiting us often while pursuing their careers and education. We are humbled by the opportunity and look forward to serving Boston College for many years to come.”