J Batt leaves Michigan State to be Kentucky athletic director
J Batt has finalized his departure from Michigan State to become the University of Kentucky’s athletic director, marking a swift succession amid ongoing leadership turmoil at MSU. Kentucky announced the hire as part of a six-year deal, while Michigan State faces another vacancy in its top athletic role. Sources confirm the move follows the recent departure of MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz to Clemson. Tom Izzo has criticized the instability, calling it disruptive.
What changed
Kentucky’s formal confirmation of J Batt’s hire and the six-year deal length are newly reported details since earlier rumors of his impending departure.
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J Batt exits Michigan State to lead Kentucky athletics amid leadership shakeup
confidence 95%J Batt has finalized his departure from Michigan State to become the University of Kentucky’s athletic director, marking a swift succession amid ongoing leadership turmoil at MSU. Kentucky announced the hire as part of a six-year deal, while Michigan State faces another vacancy in its top athletic role. Sources confirm the move follows the recent departure of MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz to Clemson. Tom Izzo has criticized the instability, calling it disruptive.
What's confirmed:
- J Batt has finalized his departure from Michigan State to serve as athletic director at the University of Kentucky.
- Kentucky’s hiring of J Batt is a six-year deal, according to multiple sources.
- J Batt will also serve as CEO of Champions Blue LLC, Kentucky’s athletic marketing arm.
- Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz left for Clemson in May, compounding leadership instability at the school.
- Tom Izzo has publicly expressed frustration over the rapid turnover in Michigan State’s leadership.
Still unconfirmed:
- Mark Hollis has expressed interest in the Michigan State athletic director job following J Batt’s departure, though no formal offer has been reported.