During the past couple of decades, Maryland athletics has garnered a reputation for bland or disappointing hires in important positions. But on Thursday morning, the university went outside its comfort zone for one of the department's most crucial hires.
Maryland hired Jim Smith, a former Ohio State staffer and current Atlanta Braves exec, as its new athletic director.
"As far as non-traditional picks go, it's probably as good as you can get," former Maryland basketball player Tom McMillen said told InsideMDSports.
The hire comes at a pivotal moment for the future of athletics in College Park. The Terps have fallen behind the rest of the Big Ten in revenue generation, and are likely set to lose a significant amount of money in next year's budget report.
"Maryland's at the bottom of the pack and there's a whole lot of things that need to be done to clean up," McMillen said.
Read between the lines of Maryland's press release, and Smith's business background was a large focus. It emphasized that he led a team that implemented "innovative business, brand marketing and communication strategies" that drove revenue and financial growth.
Former athletic director Damon Evans was criticized for his inability to build Maryland's revenues, one of Smith's biggest strengths.
"Jim Smith is a great hire, blending both professional and collegiate executive management experience and value creation," prominent Maryland booster Harry Geller said to Inside Maryland Sports.
The scoop on Maryland AD hire Jim Smith and a big-time hoops recruit who could change the Terps' calculus
"Compliments to President Daryl Pines and the search committee for going outside the box on this hire."
Smith's history suggests that he'll energize alumni and donors. The Ohio State graduate ran the university's alumni association from 2016-2020.
How Smith approaches the department's football and basketball spending will be one of his biggest decisions. He's worked for Ohio State and the Atlanta Falcons, which could mean football continues to drive the lion's share of expenses and attention. Former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith has a close relationship with Smith as well.
Big Ten schools are expected to follow similar models for expense allocation once the revenue-sharing system is implemented. Mike Locksley and Kevin Willard publicly sparred over funding for their respective programs early in the spring. Smith will be tasked with splitting the funds in ways that make everyone happy.
An introductory press conference
Tillman left out
Men's lacrosse coach John Tillman was a part of Maryland's 11-member hiring committee. But one of the Terps' longest-tenured coaches, and their most successful, played a minimal role in the process.
Tillman said in his most recent availability that he wasn't a part of two Zoom clls involving the committee, due to his team's schedule, according to The Diamondback's Jake Kauderer. He was then cut off after Maryland shrunk the process.
"I haven't been privy to any information," Tillman said. "I don't know anything about [Smith], never met him, didn't even see his resume… I'm sure he's capable."
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