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South Carolina AD search: Separating fact from fiction

On3 imageby: Chris Clark11/30/24GCChrisClark
University of South Carolina president Michael Amiridis (Photo: Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral.com)
University of South Carolina president Michael Amiridis (Photo: Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral.com)

The University of South Carolina’s search for an athletics director continues to progress.

GamecockCentral.com has spoken with multiple sources about the search and can pass along the following notes.

— We have reported that president Michael Amiridis’ target is a sitting Power 4 AD. I have gathered that the administration is leaning heavily into the experience factor. In other words, not just a sitting Power 4 athletics director, but a sitting Power 4 athletics director who’s been in that post for some time.

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Except for current South Carolina Deputy AD Jeff Crane, everyone on the list is a sitting AD from the Power 4 level. And most of them, per our understanding, fit the profile of having years of meaningful experience.

— Georgia Tech’s J Batt has been mentioned on social media and in reports as being the lead candidate or a leading candidate.

Let’s clear it up.

Batt does not have an offer from USC to be the next AD.

While South Carolina has spoken with/interviewed Batt, sources indicate to GamecockCentral.com that he is not at the top of the list in this process.

Adding it all up, he does not seem as likely at this point to be the guy in Columbia.

— To reiterate, this search has been the quietest that I have covered in my 15 years.

The circle is extremely small. While some names have circulated – some of which have been involved and some that have not – it’s been difficult to figure out who’s actually at the top of the pecking order behind the scenes.

Nobody has an offer at this point from the administration.

Stay tuned to GamecockCentral.com for more on the search as it continues.

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