What Gene Smith's retirement means for Ohio State, college athletics

COLUMBUS – Gene Smith, one of the most well-respected administrators across the college sports landscape, announced Wednesday morning he will retire from his role as Ohio State athletic director effective July 2024.

In nearly two decades with the Buckeyes, Ohio State became one of the top athletics departments in the nation. The top earning revenue department in the 2022-23 academic year, Smith tabbed Ryan Day as Urban Meyer’s successor in 2019. Day has compiled a 45-6 record with three College Football Playoff appearances in four seasons. Additionally, Ohio State finished as the top-ranked Big Ten athletics program in the Director’s Cup standings eight times under Smith.

The decision comes during a tumultuous time in college sports. 

The Big Ten will now be an 18-team conference in 2024. The Pac-12 consists of just four schools. And the Big 12 added Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. A member of the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee, Smith left the topic of reexamining the 12-team playoff to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti on Wednesday.

“I have always believed that a leader seeks to be the right person at the right time in the life of the institution,” Gene Smith said. “I believe that July 2024 is the right time to welcome new leadership to build upon what we have achieved and continue to build upon the great tradition of excellence in athletics and business advancement at Ohio State.”

Tasked as co-chair of the NCAA’s NIL working group four years before collectives existed and state laws forced college sports to make a move, he foresaw the role an influx of NIL cash could mean for inducements. The NCAA is still operating off its interim NIL policy, with new president Charlie Baker lobbying Congress for a mandate.

“Gene is an absolute stalwart in the college athletic administration environment,” a Big Ten source told On3. “He’s been a tremendous leader, not only for Ohio State but also for the Big Ten and nationally. He’s been on so many committees. He’s served in so many leadership roles to help frame solutions and how to chart paths forward and that’s been something that’s been omnipresent within the Big Ten. He’s one of the best to ever do it. That’s something that’s going to leave some huge shoes to fill.”

Asked about what his toughest challenge was at Ohio State, the 67-year-old said “2011 was hell.” Quarterback Terrelle Pryor was one of five players suspended for the first five games of the season, caught selling memorabilia and receiving improper benefits from a tattoo parlor. Jim Tressel was fired, and Luke Fickell operated with the interim title until Meyer was hired in 2012.

Ohio State AD job ‘most premier in nation

Smith was adamant Wednesday the next Ohio State President will be charged with finding his successor. In this recent wave of realignment, the Buckeyes have been without a leader in the presidential suite. Before landing in Columbus, Smith was the athletic director at Eastern Michigan, Iowa State and Arizona State.

He’s done more than just change the face of Ohio State athletics, though. His tree of administrators is expansive: Pitt’s Heather Lyke, Washington State’s Pat Chun and UCLA’s Martin Jarmond have all spent substantial time in Columbus. All three of those names, along with new Utah State athletic director Diana Sabau, the former Big Ten deputy commissioner, will all presumably be looked at.

There’s little doubt the job will now be one of the most sought-after in college sports. With playoff expansion set to begin in the 2024 season paired with a new Big Ten TV contract, the role is one of the most powerful.

“It’s probably the premier job in the Big Ten and, with the changes and conference realignment, arguably one of the most premier in the country without question,” a Big Ten administrator told On3.

Reaction from college administrators

Along with his work on the College Football Playoff committee, Smith was highly respected by his peers.

“Gene has been a leader in the industry for many years. He is practical, ethical, and always has the interests of students foremost in his mind. I have always enjoyed his company and respected his professionalism and dedication to higher education, and Intercollegiate Athletics.” – North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham

“Gene Smith is a towering figure in college athletics He has had an impactful and brilliant career as one of the best-liked and respected administrators in college sports. I have enjoyed working with Gene over decades, and I will miss his wise counsel and his always gracious manner, as will many friends and colleagues.” – American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco

“I saw the news on Gene and immediately thought college athletics is losing an amazing leader, not only for Ohio State University, but his impact and voice on NCAA committees is well considered, impactful and positively received. Like the former EF Hutton commercials, Gene Smith’s thoughts are always sought in the room and his leadership is greatly appreciate by anyone that has had the opportunity to work with him. Gene is never arrogant in his approach, and is and has been a tremendous mentor to so many in the industry. The NCAA and college athletics is going to miss him.” – Big West commissioner Dan Butterly

“Gene Smith defines leadership in my book. There are so many of us who are indebted to Gene for the extraordinary example he set and the honest coaching and guidance he provided.  He set the standard for excellence and always put people first. He taught us that diversity is the one thing we all have in common and walked the walk every day.  

“Gene Smith defines leadership in my book. There are so many of us who are indebted to Gene for the extraordinary example he set and the honest coaching and guidance he provided. He set the standard for excellence and always put people first. He taught us that diversity is the one thing we all have in common and walked the walk every day.  

“The number of student-athletes, coaches, staff and people who have been touched by his leadership are countless. I feel blessed to be one of them and am so grateful knowing he made me a better leader and person. The positive and transformative impact Gene made at The Ohio State University and most importantly, our profession, is indescribable.” – Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke

“Gene Smith is one of my closest and most treasured friends in all of college athletics so I’m not sure how to be brief in celebrating Gene Smith’s legacy. Let’s start with he’s one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever been around. His entire athletics career is about positively impacting others. He’s done it as a student-athlete, coach and one of the quintessential leaders in college athletics history. On one hand, I’m very happy for Gene and Sheila in deciding the next chapter in their lives but make no mistake about it, Gene is one of the pillars of our enterprise and a very tough one to replace. His leadership qualities provide a true model for those aspiring to the role…integrity, visionary, innovative, creative, thought leader, selfless, reliable, mentor, friend, relatable and more. Simply put…he is a leader worth following and countless people like me have done that for a long time. I know Gene has a lot more to give so it will be exciting to see his next chapter unfold.” – Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione

On3’s Eric Prisbell & Matt Zenitz contributed to this story